Physio this week – Scoliosis Gym Ball Exercises

Scoliosis Exercises Gym Ball

Scoliosis Gym Ball Exercises – Post Surgery 

This week I saw my physio and she gave me some gym ball exercises.
I bought a gym ball a few weeks ago as I’ve been getting a lot of lower back pain after walking or sitting and my lower back generally feels very weak. 

I think because I have three discs that aren’t fused at the bottom of my spine they’re really feeling the pressure!! 

I feel a bit sorry for them actually, suddenly having to do all the work…

My physio thinks that doing the simple exercises she has given me on a gym  ball will really help to strengthen my ‘core muscles,’ which will help support my lower back and help my pain. 

A six pack would also be a nice benefit 🙂


If anyone is interested, some of the gym ball exercises I have been given are:

    • Just sitting on the gym ball and maintaining good posture – this sounds simple but your core muscles have to work really hard just to keep your balance!
    • You can do this whilst watching TV, or even sit on the gym ball instead of a chair when you’re at your computer – even half an hour a day sitting on it can make a huge difference
    • Sitting on the gym ball and raising one leg outwards and replacing – this is incredibly difficult for me and I can hardly balance! Just shows how weak my muscles are really…:/
    • Sitting on the gym ball and raising one knee up and replacing.
    • Sitting on the gym ball and lifting one arm above my head.
    • Standing, holding the gym ball in front on me and lifting the gym ball above my head, without arching my back.

These exercises may sound incredibly simple but they are quite difficult for me, which just shows how weak my core muscles really are!

Remember, you should always check with your physio/doctor before attempting new exercises when you have a spinal fusion.  The gym ball I bought for example, came with a DVD but the exercises on it are way too advanced for me so you have to be careful!! I’ve also noticed there are a lot of gym ball exercises available online but there’s no way I could do them just yet.

Also, I’m just over a year post scoliosis surgery now so I’m ok now to do these type of exercises. You should check with your surgeon if you are under a year post op before you attempt any new exercises.  


How to choose the right size gym ball…

It’s important that you have the correct size gym ball for your height. When sitting on the gym ball your legs should be parallel to the floor.

Many are 65cm but my physio advised me that a 55cm one would be more suitable for my height (5ft 5).

Apparently, if you have the wrong size your muscles may not benefit the same, as you’ll be sat in the wrong position – so bear this in mind!  

Generally speaking: If you are 5ft 5 or under – 55cm gym ball. If you are over 5ft 5 – 65cm ball.If you are over 6ft – 75cm.

However this is just a guide – it’s better to get a bigger size and not inflate it fully than getting one that’s too small.


Where to buy a Gym Ball…

Amazon have a great selection of gym balls. Many come with a DVD but I wouldn’t attempt any of the exercises on the DVD unless you are at least a year post op and feel comfortable with them.

If it hurts – don’t do it!

I would highly recommend anyone suffering with scoliosis and/or low back pain to try using a gym ball – it’s a great and low impact way to strengthen those core muscles! 


 

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