Exercise
Original Post: Can those of us with PPS do exercise? If so what kind? Some say no exercise and some say go ahead and exercise. I’m getting confused.
Additional Post: In my experience, I’ve learned that only your physiatrist or a Physical Therapist with knowledge if PPS can really give you a definitive answer. We are all uniquely different.
Additional Post: We must exercise in some way to keep what we’ve got left viable. As Dr Bruno says, not muscle strengthening but something you enjoy that puts you in touch with people of like mind and body. I swim weekly which really enjoy, whole body gentle exercise at my own pace in warm water. I tried seated class, also tai chi. Find something that suits you and please stop if hurts.
Dr. Bruno’s Response: The position of the Post-Polio Institute is that there should be absolutely no muscle strengthening exercise. Whatever the activity STOP BEFORE you have fatigue, muscle weakness or pain. Stopping AFTER you experience any of these means you've done damage. Pain, muscle weakness and fatigue are your body's way of yelling STOP!
You don't stop after your car hits a tree. You stop before. The same thing goes for your body.
Additional Post: The problem with me is I don’t know when my body is tired as for pain I wear two leg braces so I don’t have pain, unless I fall and I have been doing that a lot more than usual lately.
Dr. Bruno’s Response: ". . . . unless I fall and I have been doing that a lot more than usual lately."
This is a great conversation – my concern is that you still think exercise is a good idea!
This article by PPS experienced Shanti Chacko Maloyal, PT, DPT can help.