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Exercise and Spinal Cord Injury - Beginning Steps

By Anne Asher, About.com

About.com Health's Disease and Condition content is reviewed by our Medical Review Board

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Before You Begin Your Exercise Program

There are some impediments to exercise that accompany spinal cord injury. By being informed of potential setbacks, an exerciser with spinal cord injury can plan for success.

Quadriplegics
Quadriplegics should consult with their doctors and rehabilitation team to arrange for an appropriate and individualized exercise program.

Talk to your doctor.
Discuss your plans to exercise with your doctor.

  • Specifically mention each and every one of your medical conditions and how you can participate in a program that is safe for you.
  • Ask about deep vein thrombosis.
  • Ask about autonomic dysreflexia.
  • Find out the effects of the medication you are taking on your proposed exercise activities.
  • Either the doctor or a trained exercise professional with certification and experience in clinical exercise should design an individualized program for you, so ask for a program, or a prescription and referrals.

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