strengthing muscles?

[baabr]

is this a debate; if you have ms then your muscles can't be strengthened?

you can work your muscles so they don't get what?

I guess i thought you could always strengthen your muscles

Kris

[newlyb12def]

You don't want your muscles to atrophy (shrink). Unused muscles can also contract (shorten) to the point where they are no longer moveable at all and set in a fixed position.

You can also retrain accessory muscles to carry some of the weight so that you can function better.

[baabr]

thank you newly; must be why they had me work on my core stomach muscles; to take less weight off of my legs; if i continue with this and keeping my posture

acessory muscles; this is all new to me

thanks kris

[newlyb12def]

I'm feeling the burn in my lower back. The physical therapist says that I'm over-using it to try to balance.

The accessory muscles aren't usually the main movers in a particular movement, but they are still working and can provide support for the main muscles, especially if they're weak.

[baabr]

you have been so helpful; this for some reason has made me sad; i guess i thought i was strengthening; i read somewhere where it says with ms be as physically active as possible; which is what i am doing

but i know i am overdoing it; because i am having more pain and muscle fatigue; but i will continue until or if i can't do it anymore

Kris

[newlyb12def]

Some days are easier than others. Get to know your limits- overdoing it can lead to bigger set backs.

PT won't undo your MS, but you can see progress. Everyone's different.

Good luck!
Kay

[calcal]

is this a debate; if you have ms then your muscles can't be strengthened?

you can work your muscles so they don't get what?

I guess i thought you could always strengthen your muscles

Kris


Of course if you have MS, you can strengthen your muscles! So long as you are capable of moving your muscles, they are capable of being strengthened. If there is nerve damage, it may be more difficult, but that only makes it more important to be strengthening them on a more frequent basis to maintain muscle tone and muscle mass.

Even if you are incapable of moving your muscles, research is showing that it may still be possible to regain some ability to move them if you continue to push yourself and force those neuronal connections to repair themselves and continue to strengthen them and maintain them.

Yes, be as physical as possible because the stronger those connections are, and the more neurons that are available for use to move muscles because you've developed strong and large areas for movement, then you'll be in better shape to weather an MS attack if it should hit an area that affects movement of a particular muscle.

Yes, exercise and strengthen both the muscles and the neurons that stimulate the muscle movements!

[Parsi]

I believe the operating words are "be as physical as possible". Then there is benefit. But as Kay points out, "overdoing it can lead to bigger set backs"