Excercise to help joints and muscles

[0411tm]

I find it difficult to do strenuous exercise (get out of breath quickly). Can anyone recommend any good exercises I can do to help my joints and muscles? I feel like I am wasting away. Thanks.

[zenabb]

I am in the same position and was trying to do my own small exercises and still in pain. Finally I went to the physiotherapist through my GP (but one can self-refer). She gave me some exercises I can do lying down and it has relieved my pain. It only takes a few minutes and the result is worth it. I suggest you do the same. Years ago I used to go to the gym but had to stop it through fatigue.

[0411tm in reply to zenabb]

Hi zenabb. Thanks for the advice. I was wondering whether my GP would refer me to physio, I will make an appointment to see him. Don't seem to get much help from the hospital. They are not well informed about Limited Scleroderma and Raynauds. Last time I went the new (young) doctor said I had Arthritis and not scleroderma and that the pain in my joints was due to my age, I am 57!!

[zenabb in reply to 0411tm]

It could be both scleroderma and arthritis. You can do physio anyway.

[Hidden]

Hi, I bought a pedal cycle - it just folds up and only exercises my legs, as my joints are also fading and I can't walk. My ankles are so weak now so I can sit in a chair and pedal and get the blood circulating etc... and knee and ankles are being exercised.

[0411tm]

Zenabb and CardiffLady Can I ask what pain relief you find the most effective? I used to take Ibruprofen but because of the medication I am on, I can't take this any more. I take Dihydrocoedine but even this sometimes doesn't relieve the pain.

[zenabb in reply to 0411tm]

With a while on physio exercises I don't need painkillers. Which pain are you talking about?

[0411tm in reply to zenabb]

Just general pain to joints, strangely enough more to the right side of my body than my left. I have constant pain in my right knee and receive cortisone injections from my GP approx every 3 months. I will definitely request physio tho because if this can relieve the pain then I can stop the pain relief. Thank you for your advice. I really appreciate it.

[overnighthearingloss]

Its a lot of money to find, but an electric bike might be worth considering for the days when you do have some energy. They are not cheap. But Tesco have a well recommended model for less than most other manufacturers.

The electric motor means that you have to do very little peddling if you cant. But you can turn off the electric assist if you want to exercise as with a normal bike.

[Jensue]

I do Tai Chi which I find keeps me moving and is a very gentle kind of exercise. I am lucky though because the instructor is excellent & has been teaching for about 15 years & really knows his stuff! I have found that since doing it (a struggle to begin with) that my movement has improved a lot & am now able to get out on my bicycle as well. I have severe neck issues (had major surgery) and lower back problems along with the hips,knees & ankle pains through SSc.

[Kuhu]

I had a hip replacement and was given some very helpful exercises which I can do lying down. I have added others. I used a very good website, but can't remember it now!! Sorry. I think it was the American Physiotherapy Society, or something lkie that. Maybe worth and Internet search?

0411tm - where are you? Maybe someone here can suggest a good Physio if that is allowed!!

[0411tm]

Thank you all for your kind advice and tips, it has all been very helpful. I have made an appointment to see my GP and hopefully will get a referral to a physiotherapist.