The Importance of Staying Active
During recovery from an illness or injury, many aspects of our lives are altered. One of these aspects is the ability to engage in regular exercise. Following a life-changing illness or injury with long-term side effects, many people struggle through physical and occupational therapy. For most, the rehabilitation process is long and difficult. However, it is important to know that it is still possible for you to engage in a regular exercise program that you enjoy. For most individuals, it is easier to first get through the initial phases of PT and OT, and then start to think about a separate exercise routine. However, it is possible, and most times beneficial, to find an activity you enjoy even in the early phases of your recovery. There are vast and numerous benefits of physical activity on your health. If you have already had a stroke, you are already at higher risk of having another. Exercise can help you lower your blood pressure and cholesterol, and improve your posture, balance and circulation. Regular exercise can also help improve your mood.
Your physical and/or occupational therapist can be a good resource for helping you design an exercise program. Other resources include personal trainers, recreational therapists, and local community centers. Local colleges or universities may also offer programs that you may be interested in. There are also adaptive sports programs around the country that provide instruction in specific sports. For example, The Adaptive Sports Foundation, based in Windham New York, is a sports education and program center specifically for people with disabilities. Do not feel that due to your illness or injury, it is no longer possible for you to participate in your favorite sport. There are ways to adapt most sports so that you can still participate in some way. Some individuals find that with these adaptations, they are even able to participate at a competitive level. Continuing to participate in a sport or activity that you enjoyed prior to your injury or illness will, of course, help you physically. It will also help to meet people that also have a disability that have overcome the same obstacles that you are currently facing, and enjoy the same activities you enjoy.
Always discuss beginning any exercise program with your doctor. Make sure that you increase your activity level gradually, or you can easily become frustrated if your body does not respond to exercise the way it did before your injury. Remember that it is important to find something you enjoy, that will help you to stick with your program over the long term. Good luck!
Author
Amy Boos, OTR/L MSBME
Clinical Support Specialist
Myomo, Inc.