anyone want to help me figure exercises/weight-resistance or training..

abbynormal52

..with "I'll call it chronic neck issue"? It goes from the left base of my skull down and over through to my shoulder. I've had it since 88, but it got worse in the last year. When I was diagnose with it, the neuro called in Spasmodic Torticolos. I have no enlarged

I had a membership to my local fave gym about a month ago, and went at the machines, especially for upper body. after I'd worked out for a few days, breaks in between to recover, I had worse neck soreness, bordering on pain, achy pain that kept me awake it was so sore.

So now I want to join again because they have all I need, including my dance time I do on my own, but want to try a class of Zumba as well.

Any help welcome as I want to get back to my gym on the first:) Denise

concordancia

Have you seen a physical therapist? They can help you determine proper exercises and proper modifications for your specific issues.

AnnPT77

concordancia wrote: »

Have you seen a physical therapist? They can help you determine proper exercises and proper modifications for your specific issues.

^^^ Endorsed. Physical therapists have been extremely helpful with several issues for me, in three ways: Figuring out remedial exercises, helping me learn how do daily life activities in ways that don't aggravate the problem, and giving me advice about regular forms of exercise that will both be compatible with my situation and accomplish my fitness goals.

abbynormal52

concordancia wrote: »

Have you seen a physical therapist? They can help you determine proper exercises and proper modifications for your specific issues.

Yes, I did PT for about 6 months over 2 years ago and know all those exercises. I would like to try the machines again, and a few of the free-weights (little colored ones at the gym).

abbynormal52

AnnPT77 wrote: »

concordancia wrote: »

Have you seen a physical therapist? They can help you determine proper exercises and proper modifications for your specific issues.

^^^ Endorsed. Physical therapists have been extremely helpful with several issues for me, in three ways: Figuring out remedial exercises, helping me learn how do daily life activities in ways that don't aggravate the problem, and giving me advice about regular forms of exercise that will both be compatible with my situation and accomplish my fitness goals.

Well, I could go again, I just need a referral from my GP. I may just do leg work, and abs and dance at that gym. I've seen several (or a couple at least) articles on not weight-training when you have dystonia (torticolus). I also see some that have thrived doing weight-training. Hard to say, but I know before I pushed so hard, I had been doing great. I'm thinking I'll try again, with less "pushing" myself, and see how it feels. Easy does it I mean.

Thank you for your suggestions, I will keep it in mind if I start hurting again, and don't feel improvement. I am very careful, and don't lift heavy, I just did a lot every other day for like a week I think it was. Denise

middlehaitch

Start doing your PT exercise again, and visit your doc for a PT referral.

If/when you go to the gym and use the weight lifting machines build up your visits slowly, 2x a week to begin with then moving to 3. Don't do consecutive days unless you are doing completely different exercises.

Start with very light weights and learn the correct form, yes even the machines need correct form. Also, adjust the machine so it is fitting you correctly.

Sometimes a machine just doesn't fit, then it is better to use free weights. This is something you and your PT can explore.

Learn how to do upper body exercises with your neck, head and shoulders in neutral. Again explore this with your PT.

(When I started in the gym I was so tense my shoulders could have been earrings. It took lots of practice to relax)

Cheers, h.

abbynormal52

Ok, I just have to be willing. This sounds good, and smart too. I suppose I'm a bit afraid they'll tell me I can't, or at least I shouldn't do weight-training. All the PT exercises were so easy, couldn't build muscle with those. I don't think with my bod I need to lift heavy, ever. I read somewhere here a gal uses her hand-weights and that's it.

I'll do like you say, and the other's that mentioned going to my doc, get the referral and get lined up with PT. I'll send a friend request to those here that helped me and let you all know how it goes:) I do appreciate all the help;) Denise

concordancia

abbynormal52 wrote: »

Ok, I just have to be willing. This sounds good, and smart too. I suppose I'm a bit afraid they'll tell me I can't, or at least I shouldn't do weight-training. All the PT exercises were so easy, couldn't build muscle with those. I don't think with my bod I need to lift heavy, ever. I read somewhere here a gal uses her hand-weights and that's it.

I'll do like you say, and the other's that mentioned going to my doc, get the referral and get lined up with PT. I'll send a friend request to those here that helped me and let you all know how it goes:) I do appreciate all the help;) Denise

The key is to keep going. My husband goes twice a week because he was in bad shape (considering applying for medical leave) and can improve enough to get new exercises in a regular basis. I go once every month or two because I am in a better place and can't progress all that fast right now.

abbynormal52

To PT you mean Concord? I did go 6 months, and they fixed my issue I had at the time. This is not a "new" issue, but it started getting worse this last year. It was getting worse before I started using the machines at the gym too. That's why I started some "easy does it" weight-training.

I do need some professional guidance though, and quit trying to "fix" everything myself. I don't want an injury, or something that would lay me up, so I couldn't do anything;)