If you live with multiple sclerosis (MS), preserving your well-being is crucial.
Exercises are essential for general health and can also be helpful for managing multiple sclerosis (MS) symptoms.
Exercise should suit your skills and interests.
What is Multiple Sclerosis (MS)?
According to the NHS UK, multiple sclerosis (MS) is a disease that affects the brain and spinal cord, resulting in a variety of symptoms such as problems with vision, arm or leg movement, sensation, or balance.
It’s a chronic condition that can sometimes cause severe disability, but it can also be mild. Symptoms can be treated most of the time.
People with MS have a slightly lower average life expectancy. It is most commonly diagnosed in people in their twenties and thirties, but it can occur at any age.
It is approximately two to three times more common in women than in men.
Here are 8 exercises for managing multiple sclerosis (MS) symptoms.
1. Water exercise
People with multiple sclerosis (MS) often experience overheating, particularly when they are performing physical activity.
It is called Uhthoff’s phenomenon, and it occurs when an elevated body temperature affects the vision.
MS-related optic nerve damage usually triggers this symptom that leads to Uhthoff’s disease. Exercising in a pool will help you stay cool for that purpose.
Water also has a natural buoyancy that can support your body and facilitate movement. This means that you will perform exercises inside the pool that you can’t perform outside the pool (1).
2. Yoga
One study discovered that individuals with multiple sclerosis (MS) who practiced yoga had less fatigue compared to individuals who had not practiced yoga.
Abdominal (or diaphragmatic) breathing, which is practiced during yoga, may help improve your breathing. The better you breathe, the more easily your blood can circulate through your body (2).
3. Stretches
Stretching has the same benefits as yoga. This can enable the body to breathe and stimulate the muscles. In addition, stretching can also increase the range of motion and reduce muscle tension (3).
4. Martial arts
Martial arts such as Tai chi are low-impact exercises. Tai chi has become very popular for individuals with MS. In addition, tai chi can help balance the body’s flexibility and core strength (4).
5. Strength training
Strength training will help the body get stronger and recover more quickly. Sometimes, it can help avoid injuries.
People managing multiple sclerosis (MS) may want to try weight training or resistance exercises.
A qualified physiotherapist or trainer may help you with an exercise routine that fits your requirements (5).
6. Recumbent bicycling
Bicycling could be difficult for a person with MS. But exercises, such as recumbent cycling, may be helpful in managing multiple sclerosis (MS) symptoms.
You can always pedal as on a traditional bicycle, but since the bicycle is stationary, you don’t have to think about balance and coordination (6).
7. Balance ball
MS affects the brain and cerebellum. This part of your brain handles control and balance. When you have trouble holding your balance, a balancing ball may be helpful.
You may use a balancing ball to exercise the body’s major muscle groups and other sensory organs to decrease the tension.
8. Aerobic exercise
Any workout that increases your pulse and heart rate has many health benefits. Aerobic exercise is a perfect way to improve the natural protection mechanisms of your body.
This can reduce MS symptoms and increase stamina. Exercises such as hiking, swimming, and cycling can help with managing multiple sclerosis (MS) symptoms (7).
Conclusion
If you can’t physically match the needs of a 30-minute workout routine, you can divide it up. Five-minute workout intervals will help your health far too much.
Before beginning any workout program, it is necessary to check with your doctor.
Your doctor may recommend a professional physical therapist until you learn how to exercise.