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Hi All,
For sometime I have wanted to post this, but have been afraid to because I wasn't sure of the responses. Well, I finally have enough personal evidence to feel secure about posting... so here goes...
I want to preface this post with the idea that I am only speaking about what works for me. I am not saying this will work for everyone nor am I saying that everyone should do what I am doing nor am I passing judgement. We are all truly unique and there is no pat answer to anything in life. That being said, I do know that many times what works for one, can work for others but that sometimes people just need to hear that before they try something.
I have long felt that part of my IC pain is caused by a lack of circulation (be it energy, blood, oxygen, etc) to the pelvic region. Sometimes I feel that region is stiff, etc. I found that when I was in physical therapy before I started with Matia, I would get almost total temporary relief by just doing some simple pilates based exercises (not all are good, but the more gentle and straightforward ones are excellent!) Also, when I would massage my pelvic region, I would feel much better.
I took this theory of exercising that area and how it made me feel better and ran with it... literally. Before I got IC, I used to jog on a semi-regular basis. There have been several times when I have been flaring really badly and it takes all of my mental strength to pull out of my rut, get up no matter what, and go for a walk or even a run. It has been those times that I have done that that I have had relief from my symptoms for hours. My theory is that the endorphins that are created during the run create natural pain killers, thus giving me relief.
Now, I am not condoning going on a 5K or even that everyone should do this, but I think for some of us it may be a trick up our sleeves to try when we aren't feeling so hot. It has worked for me in the past. Just be careful and listen to your body and don't try and over do it. Hope this helps.
Jeanette
This is really interesting! I have thought many times that my own condition when I feel pain may be partially explained that there is some sort of energy blockage or loss of circulation of blood/oxygen to the area- not sure exactly what is happening to cause this- is it when we flare- the pain causes tension in the surrounding muscles as a holding pattern to protect the area inflamed and our nerves/muscle tissue get stuck in pain cycle of tension and discomfort? maybe somtimes? Somtimes it does seem like getting fresh blood to the area can releive the pain and somtimes it feels like any attention or energy or blood or oxygen can totally maybe make things a little more intense or aggravated.
It seems to depend on whats going on and maybe where you are in treatment or what sets off the pain? I know from massage therapy training that sore muscles can come from tissue being knotted and sticky with lactic acid and out of place muscles- from stress/overworking them. I most definatly struggle with pelvic muscle tightness and hips area and wonder if I could benefit from any physical therapy exercises or the pilates exercises you speak of- can you share what some of those are and then some of us can check with Matia if those are okay for us to practice? Before I developed IC I could have used some kind of exercise program- I'm pretty out of shape and perhaps got stuck in a rut of non active sluggish living somtimes I feel wildly restless because I ahven't exercised in awhi le and this is felt as a peculair feeling in my limbs. Also I smoked cigarrettes back then too. not anymore! I can't help but think that also had detrimental effect on energy levels/bladder health. there is connection between bladder cancer and smoking! eeck! Can anyone share exercises or gentle yoga poses that they have found to be helpful for healing? of course- check with Matia- some exercises are really chi- building/cleansing and can be too strong for some of us working through early stages. I look forward to the time when I am ready to endure more vigorous exercise as I was recently inspired to gift myself belly dancing classes as soon as possible to strengthen, honor and develop a healthy pelvis, bellyand hips! whoooooo! yay postive self image! Thanks! as always everyone thanks for sharing and reading.
Mary
Pilates
Hey there,
I found a really nice website with pilates moves on here. There is a lot more to pilates than what you can see in the pictures. it requires absolute isolation of the core and no wobbling around on the floor when you do the exercises or else you will not reap the benefits. Here are the exercises that I think are fairly gentle and I slightly modify some of them: single leg kick, double leg kick (both leg kicks I only use my legs, I do not bring my head up to the chest... you will still get benefits even if you don't lift your head) one leg circle (very important to keep your entire body still--hardest is to not move hips and just legs, excellent for control!), the shoulder bridge... here is the website: http://www.easyvigour.net.nz/pilates/h_pilates_classic.htm#34.
Pilates is no joke it's hard
Pilates is no joke it's hard work. I don't think I could do it properly with out a trainer. I prefer to stick to yoga persoanlly it's a bit lighter. I have one DVD I love and it is by yoga zone evening stress release. It has two sessions both of them are 20 min each so it's not enough to get your cortisol levels too high. Some of us who need more lighter movment may like this. It helps me a great deal with my anxiety. I also have a stationary bike that I use while I watch a movie or tv.
Hard vs. Easy moves
Yes, I absolutely agree, there are some moves in pilates that only people who have been practicing for years should do. There are, however, very easy ones, that are even recommended right after having a c-section. All of the moves that I mentioned are moves that can be modified to what ever level you are at. The wonderful thing about pilates is that you can build upon each move itself and then progress to bigger and better if you are so inclined. Definitely helps me with muscle control which is something many of us deal with.
I feel the same
Exercise always helped me. But I thought it was because I became dehydrated afterwards and my body didn't have any more water, therefore no more frequency/urgency.
Hmm. Perhaps it is the circulation though.
Getting myself oxygenated is so hard on days when I'm low, depressed and anxious cause I just feel like staying at home. But that is exactly what my body needs. That said, I'm going back to the gym tomorrow morning!
Thanks for posting :-)
Listen to your body
I think the key is to listen to your body, but that is the key for all of us regarding food, activity, etc... I think it is the most important when we are feeling the dumpiest for whatever reason, to get out and exercise. It is a mood enhancer and even if you still feel like a stick in the mud after, you cannot because you accomplished something. It is so hard. I guarantee though, if you are pushing yourself, I will push myself too! :) You can add me as a facebook friend if you like. Search: Jeanette Lopatka and we will motivate each other! We can do it! yes we can! Hee haw.
exercise
Great thread! Exercise actually exacerbates my symptoms at first, but if I push through it relieves them. I will say this: the best I ever felt was in Sept of this year, during a small vacation. We did a lot of walking everyday. I slept better, felt better! We need this encouraging post to get out there and exercise. It's too easy to say I'm not feeling good and not do it
Exercise like acupuncture
I couldn't really say if the two are alike, but if acupuncture is supposed to help energy flow, etc, we know exercise does. Acupuncture really worked for me. I totally thought it was hokey and told Matia the same. She did some on me and my bladder didn't even so much as raise it's hand for 6 hours after. Whoa! So... exercising I think could do the same... get the circulation to stiff muscles (i.e. bladder, pelvic girdle, etc.) Walking, jogging, etc is recommended to alleviate constipation which is what a lot of us suffer from. We just have to be careful and not go crazy. There is a balance. it is easy though to not push ourselves, because we are pushed to our limits, but remember, in the end we could feel better.