Scleroderma, also known as systemic sclerosis, is a chronic connective tissue disease that causes the hardening of the blood vessels, skin, and other connective tissues over time. When skin and connective tissues harden, it can make moving – and especially exercising – painful, uncomfortable, or downright impossible. So, how can people with scleroderma manage to exercise and manage their condition at the same time? Here are some ideas from Innovations Stem Cell.
Scleroderma is a rare condition, with about 2.5 million diagnosed cases worldwide. Symptoms of the condition include pain in the joints, rashes or ulcers, acid reflux, joint stiffness, and tight and hardened fingers.
How Exercise Can Help Manage Scleroderma Symptoms
Working out regularly can help your joints stay loose and flexible. We suggest that you include a healthy activity in your daily routine, such as walking, yoga, or swimming.
- Talk to your doctor. Before beginning any exercise routine, it is a good idea to get cleared by your doctor. This is just to make sure that you are healthy and to get some ideas of what exercises will work best for you.
- Know before you start. While it is tempting to dive right into an exercise routine, not knowing how to do exercises can leave you at risk for injury. If there is a workout move you aren’t sure about or a cardio or weightlifting machine that you’re not sure how to use, ask a professional for advice.
- Warm-up (and cooldown). Warming up and stretching are critical for those with scleroderma to prevent injuries while working out. Take your time warming up to ensure you are loose and limber before starting the more intense part of your workout. Cool down by easing slowly out of your exercise routine and stretching after, too.
- Know your limits. Whether you like it or not, scleroderma takes its toll on your body. If working out causes your joints to be painful or uncomfortable, switch to a gentler exercise routine next time.
- Slow down if you need to. Once again, know your limits. If you are in pain or feel out of breath after working out, slow down or reduce the intensity.
Contact Innovations Medical for Information
If you are suffering from scleroderma, Innovations Medical may be able to reduce pain and discomfort through stem cell therapy. Our skilled professionals help you decide which treatment is best for you – keeping you informed and confident in the following steps. We’ve been supporting our patients to look and feel their best since 2005, and even our most advanced procedures are often minimally invasive.
To find out if stem cell treatment is right for you and to learn how Innovations Medical can improve your life, call us at (214) 643-8665 or schedule an appointment.