Good Evening everyone...

Still working through this nasty flare...but have some questions. Anyone know of a good exercise program for people with TOS that won't cause us any more problems/pain? I used to exercise everyday both cardio and strenght however, because I am getting worse I have stopped. I really need this for my peace of mind, sanity and to try to get back even the smallest part of my life. I want to go meet with a trainer, but need your input first.
Any and all ideas would be great. A few pounds have crept on this winter and when this flare is over, I would like to get started on something.

Rach

Dr Jordan was on me about this today..get exercise- use endorphins as much as possible for pain control. It is a good theory....if only I had more time.
Also...I think there is an old thread out there somewhere.
He says:
Recumbent Bike
Elliptical w/no arms
treadmill if it doesn't hurt your back
Tai Chi

Not that I can successfully do any of them, really..tai chi even though safe for arms was too much holding them in the air


blah... i really really miss my yoga classes.

My own rec as well- I used to be able to do PT exercises on the reformer at my first PT....i thought about trying that again but haven't yet.


Johanna

oh my ...exercise...how I wish I could. I want to stretch and do something active but can't and it's so darn frustrating. I feel like such a couch potato! I'm so happy that I can actually sit and type at the moment...I'm feeling a tad better.

My Dr told me that I couldn't do anu stretching or exercise until the muscles were relaxed ...I have "severely abnormal tight muscles" as the Dr put it. The neurologist and ortho both want me to have PT but said I can't or I will end up worse.

Do you know of any good ways to at least stretch without the risk of doing damage? I guess maybe I should just wait it out but I'm going nuts. I tried one of those massagers and THAT HURT! I didn't like that at all. It actually stung.

I'm interested to see what other's do in therapy and how long does it take to start getting better. I'm going on my 3rd nerve block this week (Thurs). My pain scale on a 1- 10 is now at a 9...2 weeks ago it was a 15! lol

I hope the rest of you are doing well. Take care

very gentle stretch= lay on floor with arms straight out at shoulders like a T

roll small towel up like a snake, place it under your spine for slightly greater stretch. I do same thing on a foam roll that is about 6" thick

other gentle stretches:
shoulder rolls front to back, then reverse
turn head to look over shoulder in each direction
tilt head (ear to shoulder) each direction

VERY gentle with these...just to point of feeling a little stretch

check your PM's for a message!!


Johanna

I'm lucky in that i can still do some light weights, but you have to be careful even then.
As far as cardio goes, i like the elliptical machines at the gym. no impact (i don't hold on to the swinging arms!) and i get a better workout.

Johanna was right about endorphins they're great!