{"id":28153,"date":"2017-12-05T00:00:00","date_gmt":"2017-12-05T05:00:00","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.hydroassoc.org\/exercise-tips-for-nph-patients\/"},"modified":"2024-10-11T14:30:55","modified_gmt":"2024-10-11T18:30:55","slug":"exercise-tips-for-nph-patients","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.hydroassoc.org\/exercise-tips-for-nph-patients\/","title":{"rendered":"Exercise Tips for NPH patients"},"content":{"rendered":"

By Trish Bogucki, <\/span>Guest Blogger<\/span><\/h4>\r\n

One of the most frustrating aspects of NPH was the curtailment of physical activities.\u00a0 Before NPH I was an avid gym-goer and loved the Advanced Step class.\u00a0 Before that I was a line dancer and folk dancer- I even performed with a Yugoslav folk dance troupe in NYC.\u00a0 When NPH made it difficult to walk unaided most of those fun activities went out the window.\u00a0 I now regard my exercise program as a critical component to my recovery so I will outline what I did before and after shunting and what I am doing today that has helped me so much!<\/p>\r\n

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Before shunt surgery:<\/strong><\/p>\r\n

When I was in the worst shape the elliptical was my best friend: the movement is gentle but aerobic, and I could hold on the whole time.\u00a0 The recumbent bike was also a staple of my routine and even after I had foot surgery the doctor let me return to this for cardio just a few weeks after surgery.\u00a0 During this period, I focused more time on upper body and ab work since they did not require balance.<\/p>\r\n

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After shunting:<\/strong><\/p>\r\n

For more than a year after my shunt surgery I went to physical therapy three times a week, and the primary tool there was the Alter G treadmill \u2013 it is a wonderful invention that helped me learn to walk again without the fear of falling.\u00a0 Once they told me I could graduate from the Alter G to a regular treadmill I knew my time at PT was coming to an end.\u00a0 PT also taught me the benefits of vestibular training and I still do my eye exercises every morning to prevent vertigo.<\/p>\r\n

Once I left PT I signed up for weekly personal training sessions at my gym.\u00a0 My trainer was extremely creative and he not only taught me how to use all the strength machines he taught me some great balance exercises as well.<\/p>\r\n

I did finally achieve my stretch goal of going back to the Advanced Step Class after a two-year absence.\u00a0 I was very nervous but after about 10 minutes I knew I could do it and I started to relax.\u00a0\u00a0 The class gave me a round of applause at the end (and then of course I dissolved).<\/p>\r\n

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Recent reflections:<\/strong><\/p>\r\n

It has been a year since I ended PT and I have continued to use my gym on a daily basis for cardio, strength and balance training.\u00a0 My neurosurgeon was very happy with the way I am walking and told me to keep doing what I am doing.\u00a0 A few months ago, I retired and joined two senior centers nearby and now enjoy their exercise programs (Jazzercise, Zumba and body toning) in addition to the gym.\u00a0 There is one class there that gives me both physical and cognitive benefits: line dancing.\u00a0 Learning and remembering the patterns is a real challenge and frequently the brain gives out before my legs do.\u00a0 Mastering the rather complex country western line dance patterns has become my new stretch goal \u2013 and I’m having a ball.\u00a0 I have learned about half a dozen dances so far and was told there are only 85 more to go!<\/p>\r\n

I recommend finding an activity like this one to help you challenge both your mind and body, and if you can have fun while doing it and meet some nice folks too then you are as fortunate as I have been!<\/p>\r\n

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Additional Blogs by Trish Bogucki:<\/h4>\r\n

Thriving with NPH \u2013 Trish Bogucki\u2019s Story<\/a><\/p>\r\n

How I decided to have shunt surgery<\/a><\/p>\r\n

PT Tips for NPH Patients<\/a><\/p>\r\n

Balance Therapy Tips for NPH Patients<\/a><\/p>\r\n

Cognitive Therapy for NPH Patients<\/a><\/p>\r\n

Interview with Olivia Bell, Cognitive Therapist \u2013 Part 1<\/a><\/p>\r\n

Interview with Olivia Bell, Cognitive Therapist \u2013 Part 2<\/a><\/p>\r\n

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Disclaimer:
This page is designed to provide helpful information on the subjects discussed. It is not intended as a substitute for treatment advice from a medical professional. For diagnosis or treatment of any medical condition, consult your doctor.<\/em><\/p>\r\n\r\n

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