About this topic
With some illnesses or injuries you may need to be on bedrest. Bedrest may be at home or in the hospital. Exercise can help keep you strong. Your joints may feel less stiff and may move more easily. Exercise may also help prevent blood clots. Your doctor may not want you to do ANY exercise based on why you are on bedrest. ‚
General
Before starting with a program, ask your doctor if you are healthy enough to do these exercises. Your doctor may have you work with a trainer or physical therapist to make a safe exercise program to meet your needs. ‚
Stretching Exercises ‚
Stretching exercises keep your back muscles flexible. They also stop them from getting tight. Start by doing each of these stretches 2 to 3 times. In order for your body to make changes, you will need to hold these stretches for 20 to 30 seconds. Try to do the stretches 2 to 3 times each day. Do all exercises slowly. ‚
- Calf stretches with belt or towel ¢ ˆ ’ Sit with legs straight out in front of you. Loop a belt or towel around the ball of the foot. Pull on the towel until you feel a stretch in the back of your calves.
- Hamstring stretches on back ¢ ˆ ’ Lie on your back with both knees bent and feet flat on the bed. Grab the back of your thigh. Straighten your knee until you feel a stretch at the back of your thigh. Now, pull your toes down towards your head. Repeat with the opposite leg.
- Single knee to chest ¢ ˆ ’ Lie on your back. Pull one knee towards your chest until you feel a stretch in your lower back and buttock area. Repeat with the opposite knee. If you have knee problems, pull your knee up by grabbing the back of your thigh instead of the front of your knee. You can also do this exercise by grabbing both knees at the same time.
- Back rotations ¢ ˆ ’ Lie on your back. Bend your knees so your feet are flat on the bed. Gently, drop your knees to one side until you feel a stretch in your lower back.
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What will the results be?
- Less pain and stiffness
- Better range of motion
- More strength
- Better able to walk once off bedrest
- Less muscle wasting
Helpful tips
- If you are in a hospital, one way to keep your arm strength up is by using light elastic bands for exercising. You can tie a piece to each bed rail. Pull with your arms bent or straight and you will work many different muscles. Be sure to ask your doctor if this is safe for you.
- Be sure you do not hold your breath when exercising. This can raise your blood pressure. If you tend to hold your breath, try counting out loud when exercising. If any exercise bothers you, stop right away.
- Never bounce when doing stretches.
- Doing stretching before each meal may be a good way to get into a routine.
- Exercise may be slightly uncomfortable, but you should not have sharp pains. If you do get sharp pains, stop what you are doing. If the sharp pains continue, call your doctor.
Consumer Information Use and Disclaimer
This information is not specific medical advice and does not replace information you receive from your health care provider. This is only a brief summary of general information. It does NOT include all information about conditions, illnesses, injuries, tests, procedures, treatments, therapies, discharge instructions or life-style choices that may apply to you. You must talk with your health care provider for complete information about your health and treatment options. This information should not be used to decide whether or not to accept your health care providers advice, instructions or recommendations. Only your health care provider has the knowledge and training to provide advice that is right for you. ‚
Copyright
Copyright ‚ © 2015 Clinical Drug Information, LLC and Lexi-Comp, Inc. ‚