Programming for health conditions
Hi Delmar,
there is no such thing as a recommendation for that kind of MS because every person with it presents in a different way and has a different starting point.
You need to work very closely with the physician and physical therapist and of course need a physician’s approval.
Balance is typically the biggest issue in all cases of MS, and you must consider the risk of falling in your programming. That does not mean that you cannot do any free-standing exercises but you must position the person in a way that assistance is only an arm-length away, and you should stay close enough that you can always reach and hold.
My clients with MS are always reporting to me that it is hard work for them just to move their bodies. I found that standing exercises are very tiring but those seated and lying down are less so. There can be vast discrepancies between the right and the left side of the body but that is not always the case. People with MS usually spend a of of time sitting, and core strength is often lacking. I also found that there can be lack of strength in the stabilizers of the shoulders and hips.
You have to assess where this client is. The assessment may need to be modified but it should help you to get a better understanding of the special areas of weakness. You will have to rely on your own judgment (with the input from the PT) how to best proceed.
Good luck for you and your client.
Karin Singleton
www.meltnc.com
Hello Delmar Carey,
As with any other condition, I do a detailed consultation, design a program and double check my ideas with other sources: doctor, therapist, book, article. I also make sure to have a portable table at the ready for those harder days when the client is not as mobile for floor work. I also watch the client like a hawk for the reasons Karin explains; who has more experience than I do and offers sound advice which I follow.
Take care,
Natalie aka NAPS 2 B Fit.
It has been a while since I worked with an MS client. I didn’t really do things any differently than I would for any other client. I researched and got recommendations. I implemented progressions according to the client’s response. We did get regular updated recommendations and we were very careful with the temperature in the studio and the client’s body temperature. We backed off if the client felt unusual just as a precaution. The client did very well. Every client is unique. And every client deserves to have their program personally designed for their individual needs and issues.