How can you rebuild activity levels after slowing down too much with MS?
It sounds like you've been living with MS for a long time and found that reducing activity has actually made things harder. This is a common challenge - finding the right balance between rest and staying active is tricky.
The key is to restart very Show Full Answer
How can you rebuild activity levels after slowing down too much with MS?
It sounds like you've been living with MS for a long time and found that reducing activity has actually made things harder. This is a common challenge - finding the right balance between rest and staying active is tricky.
The key is to restart very slowly and gradually. Think of it as completely different from how you might have exercised when you were younger. Start with tiny amounts of activity and increase by very small increments.
Here's the approach that works:
* Begin with whatever you can do comfortably today, even if it's just a few minutes
* If the next day feels normal, you didn't overdo it
* Only increase activity by tiny amounts - much smaller than you think
* Don't try to do what you could do years ago
A MyMSTeam member shared that staying completely inactive made things worse, but pushing too hard also backfired. The sweet spot is gradual, consistent movement.
Consider asking your doctor for a referral to physical therapy. A physical therapist can create a personalized plan to help you rebuild strength and mobility safely. They can also teach you energy-conserving techniques for daily activities.
Some members find it helpful to:
* Sit during activities when possible instead of standing
* Break tasks into smaller pieces
* Schedule activities for when you have the most energy
* Use assistive devices like a cane or chair when needed
The goal isn't to push through - it's to find sustainable activity levels that help you maintain function without exhausting yourself.
January 21
Join
Your Privacy Choices
