Exercises for Knee Pain and Weakness By Mary Ann Wilson, RN Q. It is difficult for me to stand up from my chair and to go up steps. My knee is weak and painful with these activities. What is the cause, and is there anything I can do to help it? A. It sounds like […]
Here are some great exercises for knee strengthening. By Mary Ann Wilson, RN 1. Quadriceps Set: Sit on the edge of a chair or lie down with your knee straight. Tighten the muscle on top of your thigh by straightening your knee as much as you can. Place your hand on top of your thigh […]
EXERCISING AFTER HIP REPLACEMENT By Mary Ann Wilson, RN The healing process following a hip fracture can take anywhere from 6 to 12 weeks. A major concern is DISLOCATION OF THE PROSTHESIS. For this reason certain activities should be avoided during that healing process until your doctor tells you otherwise. Be aware that there are […]
Q: Do you know of any exercise for hiatal hernia? A: You would, of course, want to consult with your doctor about any medical conditions, including hiatal hernia. However, I do have one other suggestion that might help. If your posture is not erect, it will compress your organs and limit your breathing. If you […]
Guillain-Barre Syndrome (GBS) affects the peripheral nerves and impairs motor-unit recruitment. This results in a fewer number of successfully recruited muscle fibers, putting those recruited at a risk for overworking. It is important to avoid fatiguing the recovering muscles so a submaximal exercise program is best. A guide to intensity is that you should experience […]
Gout; A Form of Arthritis By Mary Ann Wilson, RN Gout, a form of arthritis, is being seen more in elderly women. This is because blood levels of uric acid rise with menopause, and many women are now living 20-30 years beyond menopause. With gout, uric acid crystals form in the joints and act like […]
By Mary Ann Wilson, RN Fibromyalgia is a debilitating condition characterized by widespread pain and the presence of tender points clustered around the neck, shoulder, chest, hip, knee, and elbow. The cause of this musculo-skeletal pain and fatigue disorder is still unknown. In 1990, The American College of Rheumatology established fibromyalgia as a disease. The […]
SEATED & STANDING EXERCISES FOR FIBROMYALGIA By Mary Ann Wilson, RN The following exercises are designed especially for those with fibromyalgia, who are just beginning an exercise program. Gentle range-of-motion exercises can provide the foundation for a more active exercise program down the road. Initially, only a few repetitions (not more than 5) of any […]
Exercises for Edema of the Lower Extremities By Mary Ann Wilson, RN The following exercises may be done sitting in a chair with the foot raised slightly off the floor, or while lying down. They will help the muscles to pump fluid back toward the heart in any position, but they are the most beneficial […]
Edema of the Legs By Mary Ann Wilson, RN Edema, or swelling in the legs, may be caused by any one of a number of problems. Among them are: TraumaCongestive Heart FailureLack of activityCertain medicationsWater retentionRestrictive clothingKidney dysfunctionPoor circulationDamage to the lymphatic system (a system of vessels that returns fluid from around the body’s […]
