Multiple Sclerosis and Exercise by Craig Marks

Exercise can help ease the symptoms of multiple sclerosis, but it’s important to take certain precautions if you want your exercise program to be successful. The most important thing to remember is to not overdo it. You may have heard the mottos “stretch till it hurts” or “feel the burn,” but those approaches are counterproductive for people who have MS. If you overdo it you can end up straining an already compromised muscular system, increasing pain and causing your body and mind to become overstressed, overworked, and overtired.  The MS exercise program is very specific and must be monitored very closely or you risk adverse health effects.  Here's my advice:

Check with your doctor before beginning any exercise program. Your doctor may recommend:

• The types of exercise best suited to you and those exercises you should avoid
  
• The intensity of the workout (how strenuously you should exercise)
  
• The duration of your workout and any physical limitations
  
• The frequency of your workout (how many days per week)
  
• Referrals to other professionals, such as a physical therapist, who can help create a personal exercise program that meets your needs. 

NOTE: The type of exercise that works best for you depends on your symptoms, fitness level and overall health.