For the gym members/physio's... question

[hilljd00]

Hello,

I've been ordered to bulk up my legs because its getting in the way of my rehab so what should I be eating/drinking to help get the fat on me [because im all bones] to turn to muscle.

Can you reccomend an exercise bike that I can use in a wheelchair and a normal chair, it must have foot straps and option to allow me to add more resistance.

Is their any exercise I could do to help strengthen my right ankle cause when I put weight on or off it kills. [Just got rid of my splints]


Thanks
Jon

[Dynasangel]

Protein shakes are very good, the best person to ask is Billinom8s as he does the odd personal training when he can do it

[Funky]

I wouldn't take advice from anyone on here regarding your physio mate as I don't think anyone is actually trained and familiar with physical disability following brain injury. I'd talk to your physio and go on their advice as the exercises they recommend (passive vs aggressive etc) and type of bike. I'll talk to the physio where I work and see if she can recommend anything mate, but I doubt it as I don't really know your details regarding contractures, atrophy etc.

[hilljd00]

regarding contractures, atrophy etc.

whats that?

[Funky]

A contracture is the shortening of a muscle, I don't know how physios sort it out, through alot of aggressive stretching I think, but you should never build up a contracted muscle, I do know that. Atrophy is a decrease of the skeletal muscle due to lack of use, disease etc.

Seriously though mate, speak to your physio, there is so much you can do at home etc and I know swimming/hydrotherapy is always good.

[hilljd00]

A contracture is the shortening of a muscle, I don't know how physios sort it out, through alot of aggressive stretching I think, but you should never build up a contracted muscle, I do know that. Atrophy is a decrease of the skeletal muscle due to lack of use, disease etc.

Ive all that back in jan/feb and it killed the ward about 500m+ could hear me scream/swear/shout

Seriously though mate, speak to your physio, there is so much you can do at home etc and I know swimming/hydrotherapy is always good.

Their not that helpful lol, I uset to do hydro until I left the hospital, they've suggested nothing

Jon

[Banditmax]

Phone up the physio department of the hospital and have a word mate. They should be willing to help you out.

[Laura]

With regards to physio i would speak to the hospital/doctor and possibly go to the gym and speak to the instructors there.
Protein shakes are a good way to bulk up, as are eating lots of carbs and protein so lots of pasta, rice, potato, steak, chicken etc.
I'm sure if you google it you would be able to find some information, alternatively your Doctor is a good port of call to give you advice on nurtition. Your Doctor would also work alongside your physio to devise an eating/training programme.

[Funky]

I'm suprised you haven't been receiving physio in the community as part of a NHS continuing care package or from social services. Would be worth talking to your care coordinater or local social services.

Only ask a gym physio if they know about head injury and physical rehabilitation as the wrong type of muscle building can be very damaging. If you pm me some of your details, or all, I'll speak to the physio at work and see what she says.

I'll stress again don't take advice from anyone who does not know about physical and neuro- rehabilitation.

[Jak]

Funky may be an irritating sod sometimes - but on this occasion he knows what he's talking about. (Be nice Funky - I think I've still got that newspaper cutting )

I'm not qualified to advise you - but after 2 years of the wrong advice resulting in me losing all muscle in my right thigh I would suggest you're careful what you do and who you listen to. It took me a further year of physio to dump my walking stick and get a life!

IIRC Clunk's wife, Ali (that's her username here too I think), is an Occupational Therapist and they live down your way. She might not be the right person to give you advice, but she may be able to help you kick arse down there until someone DOES do their job and get you rehabilitated.

Good luck