keeping muscles loose

in order to keep things healing, I need to keep my back and side muscles loose. the chiropracter advised swimming, but i'm pretty sure we don't have a heated pool in the apt complex. it's way to cold for me to be making any dips. I can walk, but are there any other exercises you can think of which will help me maintain activity, my fitness level (at least in part) and not tighten my muscles. I'm supposed to limit my bike riding :-( no, I don't have a bent, otherwise, I'd try that.

edit: the chiro feels that I've likely fractured the cartilage in my rib area, and that is why I'm still in this much pain, as the bones are just dandy...

How about a gentle yoga class? Or a yoga video so you can set the pace? How about going slow on an elliptical trainer with arms? Have you tried seing a masssage therapist if you have muscle spasms?
Quick healing to you.

EE-Ouch! Ribs! This IS a difficult area to heal--as there is no way to splint for the pain of breathing. Although I did not fracture or break ribs--I was taken apart and put back together--and had to tough it out for the most part. Initially I was on morphine--and I welcomed every tablet. Eventually-the tincture of time reduced the screech in my chest. Of movement? I simply tried to keep my shoulders from locking up, with simple stretches. If you are able-perhaps some Tai Chi? If a heating pad helps-try it?!

I agree with the yoga. There are gentle yoga classes out there that would be great. Just let the instructor know about your injuries and they should adjust for you. My yoga teacher is great for that.

Have you looked into other places where you could swim like a city pool?

V.

i called the apts up, and they said they did have a heated pool, so I tested it out! it was nice and comfy warm. now to get a snorkle and I'll be in business (air is still cold on my face)

it's amazing how relaxing it was. i don't remember ever enjoying swimming like this before. it was slow, but I lost time, so it was good. yay!


i'll look into the yoga too, thanks :-)

Hey there LadyJai, I'm just catching up on threads as I have been rather busy, and perhaps this reply is a latish... but since some have mentioned yoga... I wonder also about tai chi or qui gong? They are both very gentle and I can't cope with some of the positions in yoga, but tai chi suits me well...

Sending healing thoughts your way...