fitness/PT/bike/yoga

[Guest guest]

Hey ,

I am not sure I gave you my thoughts on PT, fitness and exercise. Last

year when I slipped a disc, I first had to rest. Then slowly it was time

for PT. The PT center did an 'interview' on me - asked me all about my

body, weakness, how I repsond, and yes, the guy actually asked me how

long I had CMT, and what the progression has been. Then, a program of

'movement' was tailor made for me. This was about a 9 week 3 times a

week for one hour each stint. And this was mostly all in their therapy

pool - not a hot tub, but a regular swimming pool, with adjustable

currents, and different floors for different depths. Moving in water

like this after so much rest and the disc was the best way for me to

have some exercise.Also can't hurt mmyself further in a pool! Since at

that time I was grounded from everything else. Gradually, my back got

back in shape (In PT had some traction, on land AND in the water!)

Little by little the back got stronger, the disc wass stuffed back in

place with no surgery and I began light bike riding - must in my

neigborhood. I also toned up some other parts in the process. My pain

was alot less and I felt happier. Now I am doing yoga - it is too cold

to ride my bike right now.

A good PT center should listen to you, and take everything you say about

your body into consideration. Of course, they are thinking every human

body has the olympic athelete ability, so I had to very clear on things

when I had enough, wanted to stop, or something started hurting. I even

printed out some CMT info. for them, and they also were interested in my

orthotics, from the standpoint of helping with walking and balance. PTs

will wriite reports for your Dr. Get copies of those. That is so you can

see were they are 'pushing' you. So you can discuss this 'push'.

I do recommend some basic yoga, there are some good videos to show

movements you can do at home. Hope this helps.

~ Gretchen