General Disclaimer/Introduction

Funding for this videoclip series has been provided by:

Christopher and Dana Reeve Paralysis Resource Center

• Before starting any exercise program, please consult with your doctor to make sure that it is safe for you to exercise.
• Muscular strength, flexibility and conditioning exercises are important components of any well balanced exercise program. These exercises are geared to increase the strength of our muscles, increase joint range of motion and improve cardiovascular functioning. In this first of a four-part series, we will highlight some key exercises, which can enable you to efficiently perform and enjoy our daily tasks and activities.

In this series we feature warm-up and range of motion exercises for people with multiple sclerosis.

Information on Multiple Sclerosis

• Multiple sclerosis is a demyelinating disease of the central nervous system. Myelin, the fatty material surrounding the nerves, is destroyed, leading to symptoms such as muscle weakness or paralysis, spasticity or tremors, incoordination or impaired balance, heat sensitivity and fatigue.
• In addition to improving overall health, cardiovascular fitness, range of motion, and flexibility, exercise can help one increase energy, improve balance, manage spasticity, decrease muscle atrophy, and better perform activities of daily living.

Diaphragmatic Breathing

Deep-breathing techniques help to relax the body and mind, increase energy and relieve stress.

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Deep Breathing with Arm Raising

This flexibility exercise will help improve shoulder range of motion.

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Deep Breathing with Arm Raising - Seated Position

This flexibility exercise, shown in an alternative, seated position, will help improve shoulder range of motion.

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Knee Hugs

The flexibility exercise will help improve range of motion in the back and hips.

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Knee Hugs - Seated Position

The flexibility exercise, shown in an alternate, seated position, will help improve range of motion in the back and hips.

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Apple Picking From Hands and Knees

This flexibility exercise will help improve range of motion in the back and chest muscles.

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Apple picking From Side Seated Position

This flexibility exercise, shown in an alternate, side-sitting position, will help improve range of motion in the back and chest muscles.

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Lower Back and Knee Swings

This flexibility exercise will help improve range of motion in the back.

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Upper Body Turns - Seated Position

This flexibility exercise, shown in an alternate, seated position, will help improve range of motion in the back.

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This fact sheet was last updated on 09-04-2004.

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