Unable to exercise out of PT and need some help!

MuddyEquestrian
MuddyEquestrian Posts: 366 Member
in Health and Weight Loss
Hey everyone,
I have a condition called Femoral Acetabular Impingment. Basically my pelvis is tilited improperly and causes the head of my femur to rub on my hip socket. I am awaiting a surgical decision (dundundunnnnn) because I am so young and they don't want to operate too soon. The impingment makes recreational exercise impossible, and I do mean impossible not just that it hurts or I refuse to do it! I go to PT twice a week where I do 10 minutes on the eliptical or bike, and one hour of core exercises. Other than that I've been told not to exercise since I am on my feet and running around at work (i work in a busy hospital) so my question is how many of you cannot exercise properly but are trying to still drop the pounds? I have gone to a completely wheat free diet in hopes to help some inflammation go away naturally so I know that will help some, and other than that I'm eating 1,200 cals a day and only drinking water or unsweetened tea. Any suggestions? support? help?

Replies

  • MCLA4mom
    MCLA4mom Posts: 219 Member
    I was unable to exercise when I first started a program but still lost consistently. I have lost 75lbs and now love running. I had plantar fascists and now its completely gone! I ate 6 small meals a day to keep my metabolism going strong too.
  • cyndispot
    cyndispot Posts: 135
    What about some above the waist cardio or exercising - even sitting in a chair.

    So jumping jacks without the jumping - punching without standing - pushups while sitting in a chair - arm weights - stuff like that. Look for the lady on TV who does chair exercises. I don't know her name, but she's on here early on PBS. Seems like it's focused for maybe an older generation, but at least it's moving. If something hurts stop...

    It may not be alot, but it's something and something is more than sitting on the couch...just keep you safe when you do it.
  • nxd10
    nxd10 Posts: 4,570 Member
    I only walk half an hour or so a day and haven't had trouble losing.

    My husband teaches tai chi and does a form that can be done from a wheel chair. There are lots of exercises that will tone your upper body. In general, exercise keeps you healthy and makes you look fantastic AND helps keep weight off. But it's a healthy, low calorie diet that will take the weight off.

    You can do it. Ask your PT for suggestions as well. That's a great resource.
  • jsjaclark
    jsjaclark Posts: 303
    You don't mention working your arms, shoulders, upper back, etc. You may want to try some exercises that work those areas. That can help define your arms as well as burn calories.
  • fibronut
    fibronut Posts: 7
    I was part of a study when I went through the Mayo Clinic Pain Rehab program due to my fibromyalgia. While the rest of my group had to do cardio exercises (treadmill, bike, etc.), I was strictly on weight lifting -- and it wasn't much. Just sandbag weights starting at 1 lb and up to 5 lbs max. I was tested on a bike afterwards, and there was still cardio improvement even though I wasn't getting cardio exercise. So, if your doc is OK with it, I'd say just do some weight lifting, leg lifts, arm lifts, and rubber band exercises, and you'll still be able to get some exercise in. Even if you can only do arms exercises, it'll still be something. Even without exercise, if you have your settings on here for no exercise and sedentary, you should still be able to lose weight given what they tell you for caloric intake.
  • MuddyEquestrian
    MuddyEquestrian Posts: 366 Member
    Thanks everyone! I do take some of the exercises from PT and do them at home when I can. Tai Chi is a great idea, thank you! It's very difficult for me to sit for any period of time (its the worst position for impingment) but the standing exercises are a great idea. I guess I'll just get awesome arms and upper body and will have to work on the legs later!
  • ShreddedTweet
    ShreddedTweet Posts: 1,326 Member
    I've got a sprained ankle (I know, totally nothing compared to your problem) but I have had to modify my exercise all week doing upper body cardio and ab work. It's still possible to get your heart rate up while keeping your lower body static!
  • fitwithin
    fitwithin Posts: 210 Member
    I am on a no carb and low calorie diet where they don't want me to exercise. No aerobics, but they suggested using hand weights while watching TV. I have lost 25 pounds in 3 months. Tai Chi sounds like a great ideal. You can do it!
  • MuddyEquestrian
    MuddyEquestrian Posts: 366 Member
    I do have a resistance band I use for bridges and clam shells....anyone know any good arm exercises to use it for?
  • SariahQuist
    SariahQuist Posts: 1
    I have issues with my pelvis and hips, not as serious as yours. My PT and Chiropractors have me doing yoga and it seems to be really helping. Right now I'm doing the Gaiam DVD for Weight Loss at home that has modifications for people new to yoga and/or have hip problems. I know it's not as vigorous as you might want, but I do feel stronger and better and have been able to loose a little weight.
  • cramernh
    cramernh Posts: 3,335 Member
    Hey everyone,
    I have a condition called Femoral Acetabular Impingment. Basically my pelvis is tilited improperly and causes the head of my femur to rub on my hip socket. I am awaiting a surgical decision (dundundunnnnn) because I am so young and they don't want to operate too soon. The impingment makes recreational exercise impossible, and I do mean impossible not just that it hurts or I refuse to do it! I go to PT twice a week where I do 10 minutes on the eliptical or bike, and one hour of core exercises. Other than that I've been told not to exercise since I am on my feet and running around at work (i work in a busy hospital) so my question is how many of you cannot exercise properly but are trying to still drop the pounds? I have gone to a completely wheat free diet in hopes to help some inflammation go away naturally so I know that will help some, and other than that I'm eating 1,200 cals a day and only drinking water or unsweetened tea. Any suggestions? support? help?

    Bilateral insertional achilles tendonitis, bilateral osseo/calcificated calcaneal spurs, nearly healed right calcaneal fracture, bone fragments lodged in the right achilles heel at the insertion point.

    OHHHHHHH YEAH!!! RIGHT THERE WITH YOU!

    Thankfully I work along side the specialists who are seeing me: Im not only their certified medical biller but Im also their patient! BWAHAHAHAH!!!!

    Podiatrist gave me recommendations
    Physical Therapist gave me recommendations
    They both are keeping my Endocrinologist up to date...and...
    Endocrinologist gave me recommendations....

    There are a select few machines I cannot ever do because I risk tearing both achilles tendons clear off the calcaneals... that means significant surgery to debride and reattach the tendons... and then more PT on top of that!

    I still exercise but I have to work back into it slowly - I had to take the last two months off because of the fracture - not fun trying to get back into it.. its much harder this time around.

    Im actually leaving work here at 4pm to go to my next PT appointment.

    Im going to tell you the same thing I preach to my patients: listen to your doctors, your therapists, your specialists, etc.... so long as they arent whackadoodles!!!! LOL!!!!

    Those same patients see me going in and get a whole new perspective of 'listening to what they tell you'... Im the one who appeals their claims when the insurances mess up royally on their claims.... Im hoping Ill never have to have the surgery but, it could definitely be part of my future and I have to realistic about doing what I need to do now...
  • juicemoogan
    juicemoogan Posts: 994 Member
    Find a gym that has an arm ergometer

    no hip movement but it will sure get your heart rate pumping.

    tara.jpg
  • Amber82479
    Amber82479 Posts: 629 Member
    I have a rare form of arthritis in my hips (spondyloarthropathy) and knees. I also have plantar fascitis and tendonopathy in my ankles. I just keep going and do what I can on any given day :) Don't give up! Could you do leg lifts on the floor? Or arm weights while seated? That might help. Best of luck!
  • gingersnapx00
    gingersnapx00 Posts: 68
    I do PT as well and I suffer from 2 ruptured discs and degenerative disc disease and 30 yrs old. I have to do low impact activities such as the elliptical and water exercises. I'm am trying to lose about 20 lbs myself and am having a hard time. Logging everything can be challenging but pushing through the pain with exercises even more. I am doing the same as you and taking it a day at a time, but your best bet is to focus on PT and perhaps resistant exercises in the pool. Also try and stay at your calorie goal. Its slow but i am seeing some results. Just don't give up!

    gingersnapx00
  • jshort152
    jshort152 Posts: 80
    HIIT on your biking and keep on your dieting!!
  • wonderkitten711
    wonderkitten711 Posts: 109 Member
    Best advice I can give is to talk to your PT and doctors and ask for their help, especially the PT. I had major shoulder surgery in November 2012 and I wasn't able to do anything really besides walking and the passive range of motion exercises my PT gave me for like 3-4 months post-op. After that point, my PT was really great about helping me learn what exercises I could and could not do to both rehab my shoulder and help make it less likely that the injury would ever happen again as I starting working out more extensively outside of rehab. Also, since your physical activity is limited so severely outside of work and PT, make sure that while eating at a deficit, you don't eat at too much of a deficit and risk losing more bone and muscle than necessary while losing fat.
  • juicygurl1
    juicygurl1 Posts: 195 Member
    My thoughts and prayers are with you. I really don't have any suggestions on how to reduce your weight but I do understand how injuires can ruin your progress. I wish u a speedy recovery, and high wishes for you to one day return to some solid physical exercise. ps, you can friend me if u like. :-)
  • rcolours7
    rcolours7 Posts: 69
    sounds like u should check out a chiropractor - sounds more like ur bones are out of aligned & surgery will make it worse.


    check out www.icpa4kids.com - just go to the "find doctors" section. i know it is "for kids" but these chiropractors have done some extra study work & practice. i use a chiropractor and love them for when my knees get out of whack.

    ur insurance may cover the consultation fee minus ur copay. u'll have to call around to different ones to find out about insurance. read - thoroughly each dr.'s website b/f calling so u get a sense of their philosophy of medicine.

    where do u live to begin w/?
  • MuddyEquestrian
    MuddyEquestrian Posts: 366 Member
    I am in Maine, I did have a chiro consult and adjustment. I used to go all the time and then when i got older and started college I couldn't afford the copay anymore. Now i have great insurance but still have high copays for it. They're thinking they actually need to shave down the head of my femur to get the rubbing to stop. Chiro made it feel way worse for two days but now I feel slightly better...not sure if its from getting everything else aligned too or if it did help my hip. I'm definitely a huge fan of Chiro, unfortuantely at this point mine isnt sure he can help me and I dont really have another one i trust!
  • 3patsy3
    3patsy3 Posts: 6 Member
    I just had an MRI after xrays found I'd fractured a lumbar disc. I move as little as possible cause it all hurts & I don't want to make the disc worse. My calorie intake is low, cause after fixing myself a "meal" I hurt too much to feel hunger. After 10 pound loss my goal set by "my fitness pal" reduced my loss goal to 3/4 lb a week. Know how I can increase that to 1 lb a week with no exercise?

    Just realized I can do kiegal exercise, & push/pull arms against each other to build upper arm & breast muscle. Hmm. Maybe I've been too fearfull. I expect to be referred to an orthopedist when my DR gets MRI report.

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