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.
How Many People Have Scleroderma?
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. Read more at our website Stem Cells and Scleroderma
How Can Exercise Help?
Working out regularly can help your joints stay loose and flexible. We suggest that you try to 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 is critical for those living with scleroderma (and those who are not) 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 after by easing slowly out of your exercise routine and stretching after, too.
Know your limits. 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.
Innovations Stem Cell may be able to reduce pain and discomfort for patients living with scleroderma through fat stem cell therapy, because stem cells from your own fat have been shown to help with scleroderma. Fat stem cell therapy may benefit the joints, skin and breathing problems associated with this condition. Read more about stem cells at Understanding Adipose-Derived Stem Cells
Find out the benefits of fat stem cell therapy today by calling us at 214-643-8665.