Hurler's syndrome is the most severe type of MPS, or muccopolysaccaridosis, a rare inherited metabolic disease. Symptoms can include disorders of the musculoskeletal, digestive, oral, respiratory and visual systems. Exercises for MPS1, or Hurler's syndrome, need to concentrate on using gentle maneuvers to improve joint range of motion in order to avoid further damage. Not all exercise are for you, since the syndrome contains such versatile variables. Check with your doctor before starting any.
Finger Flexing
Some individuals with Hurler's syndrome exhibit symptoms of carpal tunnel syndrome due to upper limb and musculoskeletal disabilities, according to an article written by Dr. Hassad in the "Journal of Bone and Joint Surgery." In this case, exercises for MPS1 or Hurler's syndrome need to concentrate on improving hand functioning and movement to help alleviate nerve compression and reduce symptoms. Stretch out your fingers by sitting upright in a firm chair. Gently lift your arms while bending your elbows. Turn your right palm facing your body. Place your left fingers on the web between your right thumb and fingers. Gently pull your thumb outward while stretching it until straight as possible, according to the online rehabilitation site at Hep2go. Hold the stretch for 10 seconds. Release stretch and return to original position. Relax for 10 seconds. Repeat exercise five times.
Waist Bends
Exercises for Hurler's syndrome need to gently stretch joints to prevent advancement of the disease, lessen joint stiffness and decrease pain, according to an article written by Dr. Muenster as published in the "Journal for the American Academy of Pediatrics." Work on improving upper body and spinal mobility by doing some gentle waist bends. Stand upright with feet shoulder-width apart. Slowly lean forward from the waist while letting your arms hang freely. Keep your back as straight as possible. Bend as far as possible without causing pain. Hold the stretch for 10 seconds. Slowly return to original position. Relax for 10 seconds. Repeat the exercise 10 times.
Lower Extremity Flexing
Exercises Hurler's syndrome can reduce symptoms affecting the upper extremities by gently stretching out hand, wrist and finger muscles. Start doing some prayer poses by sitting upright in a chair or standing with your feet shoulder-width apart. Gently bend your elbows to a 90 degree angle while bringing your hands in front of your body. Place your palms and fingers together with your fingers facing the ceiling, according to Hep2go. When done correctly, you will look like you are praying. Hold the stretch for 10 seconds. For additional stretching, separate your fingers as wide as possible while holding palms together.
Aqua Stretches
Hydrotherapy, exercising in water, can lessen symptoms and be used effectively during your exercises for Hurler's syndrome, according to Dr. Muenster. Gently stretch out your lower body by doing some lateral hip movements. Sit in chest-deep water while either standing or sitting on a step. Slowly lift your right leg in front of you while straightening your knee as far as possible, according to the University of Washington Orthopaedics and Sports Medicine. Slowly move your right leg away from your body, to the side. Hold the position for 10 seconds. Gently return to original position. Relax for 10 seconds. Repeat exercise 10 times. Do the exercise again using left leg.
References
- MedlinePlus; Hurler's Syndrome; National Institutes of Health; 2011
- Wellness.com; Hurler's Syndrome; 2011
- Web.jbjs.org.uk; Carpal Tunnel Syndrome; F.S. Haddad; Journal of Bone and Joint Surgery; 2011
- Hep2Go; Thumb MCP Extension; Hep 2 Go, Inc.; 2011
- Hep2go; Prayer Stretch; Hep 2 Go, Inc.; 2011
- Pediatrics; Mucopolysaccharidosis I: Management and Treatment Guidelines; Joseph Muenster, MD; 2011
