Redcord

[pushingForward]

Not sure if anyone is familiar with this, but thought I would share my experience...

I started physical therapy a few months ago after my walking started declining last year. I still don't use any walking aids, but get fatigued fairly quickly and have general balance issues and occasional foot drop. My PT is a bit non-traditional and she introduced me to redcord and I have grown to love it. It is pretty simple - just two adjustable ropes and a few slings but it allows you to do a bunch of different exercises that are designed for a neuromuscular workout - working out your nervous and muscular systems. It seems to provide me a good "bang for the buck" as my workouts a fairly non-strenuous and only last 15-20 min.

I ended up buying a home unit and over the past couple of weeks (after becoming more consistent with my workouts) I am starting to notice a difference - improved balance and fatigue - yeah!

It is a little pricey for what you get (around $300 for two ropes and a few slings), but I must say I like it so far. I am happy to share more if there is any interest, but thought I would post this in case there is.

[teena marie]

Hi there,

This looks really interesting. I'm particularly interested in the nervous system workout. Can you describe some of the exercises?

Thank you for posting.

Teena Marie

[ActiveMSers]

Agree with Teena Marie, more info would be great, PF. Thanks!

[pushingForward]

Here are a couple of links with more info:

An overview of what redcord is can be found here:http://www.redcord.com/ArticleFull_2...m=97&amid=9075 - see the download pdf link towards the bottom

Here is more detail on the exercises (direct pdf download: http://www.redcord.com/Redcord_exerc...sqfIM.pdf.file

And here is a list of the exercises I am currently doing. I am mostly working on my core as my PT thinks it will help most with my gait issues. We add an exercise every month or so.

• Standing Shoulder Extension - 4 x 30 sec.
• Standing Shoulder Extension - 4 x put one hand on side of head, return to original, then repeat with other hand (we call this the Fonzie )
• Supine Bridging - With one foot in a strap, lift the other foot along with the butt and hold for 10 sec. - repeat 4x then do the same with the other foot
• Supine Bridging - with one foot in the strap, lift foot and butt (just like the last exercise, but lift and return to the ground - kind of like a backwards situp) 4x - repeat 4x for each leg
• Supine Bridging - 1 fot in strap, lift other foot and butt and extend other foot to the right (or left depending on the foot) 4x - repeat 4x for each leg

If it is hard to visualize, there are a few videos on their website here: http://www.redcord.com/Video.aspx?m=329

You can really vary the difficulty of the exercise depending on your comfort level. I am happy to discuss more if you have any questions.

[pushingForward]

BTW - I live in SoCal (Orange County) if anyone wants the name of my PT. I think she is awesome - we do a little pilates, redcord and she also does visceral (craniosacral) therapy.

In case you are wondering, I have had MS for over 10 years and have been on Avonex since I was diagnosed - although I am strongly considering a switch to Tecfidera (a much longer conversation, of course). I get through most of the day without any assistance (read walking aid), but there are certainly times where I feel as if I am walking like Frankenstein. I am trying everything to slow this @#%$ disease down - diet, meditation, exercise, and DMDs.