Balance ball exercises

[emily06]

I went to an MS event last night and I heard a girl say she used a balance ball to help her walk. Unfortunately I never got to hear the details on how this helped her or what exercise she did using the ball. Does anyone know of exercises I could do using the Ball - I'm having problems walking and need help!

[ru4cats]

emily06
I also have walking issues linked to spinal lesions that have destroyed the nerve passageway to my right (and to a smaller degree left) leg. Unfortunately, my chances of recovering the ability to walk normally are slim to none; my only hope is to slow down the progression. Recovery really depends on what is causing your weakness in walking. I have found a few things that have helped, and I discover more with each passing day.
Ideas:
The only thing I use a therapy ball for is sitting at the computer; it forces me to use my core and helps with balance.
I had PT for three months and came away with a water exercise routine that I continue to use to this day. It has lots of walking and hip flexor exercises.
I recently started doing a couple foot drop exercises you can find on this website. Although I don't have foot drop, these exercises strengthen the ankle and hamstrings and do help with walking.
I recently purchased a book Exercises for Multiple Sclerosis, and the author has a chapter on gait analysis where he encourages people to perform a couple simple walking exercises to challenge your memory to relearn how to walk. They have really helped.
I continue to have a mild progression, and when I go to town shopping, I wear a HFAD. If does help, and I can make it through a 6 hour day with ease.
Just some suggestions; hope these help. I'll await any news on using a therapy ball to help with walking. I'm always on the lookout for new ideas!

[MSW1963]

I've found lots of exercise info at youtube.com, including video demonstrations for MS exercises using a balance ball.

Also, google search using search term exercise ball for MS.

Livestrong.com has good MS exercise info, and NMSS site may have exercise info too.

I found a piece of equipment that I've started dreaming about, a combo of balance ball and recumbent stationary bike.

I've used an exercise ball, purchased at Burlington Coat Factory outlet store. It came with a DVD to exercise along with, resistence straps that attach to a 'stabalizer' that the ball sits in. It was very affordable, around $15. I've seen them at other outlet stores, Marshalls, Ross, etc., all very affordable price range.

Best of luck finding an exercise that fits your needs.

[MSer102]

You guys are so much braver than I am. The only thing I could do with a balance ball is fall off and hurt myself.

[christyscared]

confused..

i recently got told by my eye dr she thinks i haave ms due to a recennt problem with my eyes.. ggrayness pain doubling.. twitches in my eye lidds ..there was further conversation but i just am scared and need someoone with ms to give me an opinion or advicedd i am terribly scared to go to the specialist and i jusst wanna say i wish everyone witth ms happiness in the long trip.

[SNOOPY]

Hi emily06,

I would suggest you work with a Physical Therapist who can show you the proper use of balance balls.

Balance balls can help increase core strength which helps to support you ability to walk.

MSer102:
The only thing I could do with a balance ball is fall off and hurt myself.

When using a balance ball it is best to be near something to hold on to so you don't fall over

[ovifan08]

I recently started doing yoga. its not a typical yoga session but also works on toning muscles as well. The program I am following is called DDPyoga (.com for website). On the main page there is a man who has to walk assisted by double arm crutches. It then shows his progression to being able to walk/run again. I figured if it can assist him in being able to walk again, I am hoping it can help prevent any disabilities if my M.S. progresses.