I have a client in his 50’s who was just diagnosed with polymyalgia Rheumatica, any suggestions on where to start?
Hi Michelle,
beyond the obvious physician’s approval which I assume you have.
Why does an assessment not work? I try to take all my clients through the NASM assessment, often quite modified as necessary but range of motion assessments and static postural assessments are always possible. You can also establish baselines for mobility and measure against those.
Stretching and core work are all very well but overall strength is just as important as the person moves forward. This can be from light elastic resistance to dumbbells. It depends where the client is.
With conditions like that, you have to be flexible because it may be better or worse from day to day. A very conservative start is obviously indicated but I would gradually increase complexity by adding balance challenges.
Karin Singleton
www.KarinSingleton.com
Thanks Karin,
As far as assessment overhead squat would work but I was thinking more of push up sit up assessment may not be appropriate. I just didn’t know if there was anything else I should try as an assessment.
Michelle Phy
http://tbdpersonaltraining.wixsite.com/training
Hello Michelle Phy,
As long as this person is cleared for exercise, you can treat them like anyone else as long as you let the client lead the session and do what is comfortable for them in their pain free range of motion. Like Karin says, there will be good and rough days, pay attention and listen to their body. Total body workout, balanced training program, is possible and helpful.
Take care,
Natalie aka NAPS 2 B Fit.
Hi Michelle,
I really no not do push-up assessments at all. They are for the fit and healthy, and the assessment alone could to more harm than good.
I often have clients stand against a wall and bring arms overhead and out to the side to see range of motion, whether the client can bring the arms against the wall, how much he compensates to make that work (if shoulders are okay).
Balance assessments can also be valuable. Ask the client to stand on one foot and see how long he can hold his balance and observe his balance strategies. I always take a lot of pictures. It’s amazing how patterns emerge when you put the pictures side by side.
Good luck with your client.
Karin Singleton
www.KarinSingleton.com