Yoga

[wobblypat]

I have just been researching, and considering yoga. As my CNSVasculitis has left me unable to walk, ataxia and shoulder problems severely restrict many forms of exercise, not to mention accompanying depression, I thought yoga might help. Has anyone experience of this?

[SheffieldJane]

Yes, I did " gentle yoga" for quite a while prior to diagnosis. When I became unable to do the moves due to PMR pain and stiffness she gave me one on one sessions , gently moving my limbs for me and some gentle massage. I had completely forgotten that, she was a very special woman. Now I am treated with Pred I would be able to do gentle yoga even though I can't tell left from right 🙃. I must track her down.

So yes go for it and have a conversation with the teacher about your health first.

[DorsetLady PMRGCAuk volunteer]

Hi,

Yoga is good, but you may find some of the standing poses a bit difficult - depends on how much your legs can take.

I started Pilates about 2 years ago to build up my Pred/GCA ravaged leg muscles and find that as good (did yoga for long time before GCA). You do build up your muscles but it done mainly lying down, either on mat or relaxers, but it means going to a proper Pilates studio rather than a session in the village hall.

[wobblypat in reply to DorsetLady]

Thanks for your help. I would have to do sit down yoga as I can only stand for a few seconds. Also, I only have one functional arm - the result of a failed shoulder replacment

[Rugger in reply to DorsetLady]

Having done yoga for many years and Pilates for 9 years, I agree that Pilates might be good as it's done mainly / totally lying or sitting down on the floor. My teacher suggests sitting on a chair for some who can't do all the lying down positions.

It would be a good idea to talk to the teacher before enrolling for a class.

My class is held in a church hall!

[DorsetLady PMRGCAuk volunteer in reply to Rugger]

I didn’t mean to rubbish church halls or other venues, but a studio has all the equipment for those who aren’t so able! and usually less people per session so you get a more personal approach.

I did yoga in many places including schoolrooms and science labs!

[Rugger in reply to DorsetLady]

Dorset Lady, I know you wouldn't rubbish anything or anyone! x

[DorsetLady PMRGCAuk volunteer in reply to Rugger]

Oh, don’t tempt me!! 🤔

[KCRoyals in reply to DorsetLady]

Come on what have you got against village/church halls. I think we should be told.

[DorsetLady PMRGCAuk volunteer in reply to KCRoyals]

Well... they vary don’t they! The modern ones are okay, but older ones are cold and draughty - not really conducive to yoga or Pilates!

Our village is still using a Nissan hut from WW2! In fact most of the village is built on top of the old airfield, our bungalow is built on top of the main runway, so dig down too far and you get to solid concrete!

But having said all that, did have some good times, met my hubby in one, and danced to the Troggs (local and before they were famous) in another!

Aah those were the days!

[wobblypat in reply to Rugger]

Thanks for your reply. As I understand it though, Pilates does rely on balance. As I lost my my balance and coordination, + I have ataxia in arms, hands, legs and feet so I suspect Pilates is not for me.

[Rugger in reply to wobblypat]

I think you're probably right, Pat, although if you found a very special Pilates teacher they may be able to modify the instructions, in the same way as the wheelchair yoga. Pilates also concentrates on core strength, using you abdominal muscles, so very good for one's pelvic floor!

[wobblypat in reply to DorsetLady]

Thanks for your help. I have found a place that does wheelchair yoga and I hope that might be helpful.

[DorsetLady PMRGCAuk volunteer in reply to wobblypat]

Yes that sounds good. Anything to keep muscles as supple as possible is great.

Enjoy, and please let us know what you think of it, knowledge always comes in useful for other patients.

[wobblypat]

Thanks, I will, although I think any yoga teacher will have their work cut out sorting out what I can do!

[DorsetLady PMRGCAuk volunteer in reply to wobblypat]

If they’re any good they like a challenge!

It must be boring when you’ve got a class full of perfect specimens of physical prowess.

[PMRpro Ambassador]

In the 5 years I had PMR without pred I did an aquafit class every day Monday to Friday - and after it I was flexible enough to cope with Pilates and Iyengha yoga classes that had been adapted to accommodate what I couldn't manage. I'm sure that was what kept me going for that 5 years.

While some bits of Pilates, like some bits of yoga, require balance, others can be done lying or sitting. And there is a massive overlap in techniques between Pilates and a lot of physiotherapy - so maybe your doctor would refer you for physio to investigate approriate exercises.

I googled wheelchair Pilates and got a load of links - at least you could read their info.

[slewis]

Yoga is wonderful. You can find lots of ideas on YouTube, especially gentle yoga for oldies, then you can do as much or as little depending how you are at the time. The relaxation is very important at the end of the session.

[wobblypat in reply to slewis]

Thanks. Will do

[Sandy1947]

I am not a fan of yoga since my personality is a triple A! However, since I am on slow speed as a result of PMR, I have discovered Tai Chi and Quigong. The first teacher was horrible and I left after 15 minutes. I persisted and found a fit, inspiring 87 year old teacher who is spectacular! So, my advise is to do as my English friends say...simply carry on and find what speaks to your soul and helps our aging bodies! Laughing yoga sounds like fun too!

[wobblypat in reply to Sandy1947]

Thanks for your suggestion. I studied tai chi for two years before I was ill, but had to stop when I couldn't even balance on two legs,never mind on one leg, then do a 180!

[Joan-E-D]

I did Yoga for many years before I got PMR, but found it impossible afterwards as it was too strong and I found it very difficult to get up or down to my mat. I've recently started Tai Chi (4 weeks ago), but yesterday after the class my legs became so weak that I fell walking back to the town centre to catch my bus. My legs just went from under me. Fortunately I only got a bruised hand and leg, nothing broken. I had a rest in the bank whose assistants saw me fall and then managed to walk further again. I don't know if I should persevere with the Tai Chi or give it up. I wanted to do something apart from walking to strengthen my muscles. Any advice please?

I've had PMR for a year now and am trying to reduce to 9 mg Pred, via DSNS method, as I didn't succeed previously and had to increase to 12 mg for going on holiday in August.

[DorsetLady PMRGCAuk volunteer in reply to Joan-E-D]

Hi,

Think you should go to Tai Chi once more and explain what happened after last week’s lesson. If your instructor is worth his, or her, salt they may be able to do things slightly differently. Or they may realise it’s not for you.

If you can find a Pilates studio they have relaxers (bed height) on which you do the same exercises as on the mat - but you don’t have the problem of getting up off the floor. I’ve started using one since my bursitis flared up.

If it’s a good studio, you can discuss with instructor and have a taster session first. Of course, it a bit more expensive, but I think it’s worth it!

[wobblypat in reply to DorsetLady]

Thanks for your advice. Tai Chi I checked up on, and it's not for me.

I am limited by where I can reach on my scooter, but hopefully I have found a place. The instructor specialises in dealing with people with Parkinson's and although I don't have Parkinson's many of my symptoms are very similar and the instructor is happy for me to have a go.

[DorsetLady PMRGCAuk volunteer in reply to wobblypat]

Good, pleased to hear that. Unless you try, you won’t know, do hope it’s successful.

Please give us your feedback - as the saying goes!

[Fieldofdreams]

I was diagnosed with GCA on 13 Aug and went on a yoga retreat to a little greek island on 1st sept. i had done it before but I can honestly say it 'saved' me from going crazy on 60 mg of pred! I highly recommend yoga - not the fast type - but loving Hatha or Iyengar. the relaxation too helps me switch off and when i can I go a 15 min relax and it restores my balance. takes a bit of practise but its worth it for the long term. good luck. x

[PMRpro Ambassador in reply to Fieldofdreams]

Have you noticed that this and another thread you posted on are over a year old? Just wondered.