Dermatomyositis Exercises

Polymyositis, or PM, is an autoimmune disease that occurs when the body forms antibodies against muscle tissue. Episodic inflammation causes the muscles to become tender and weak with reduced mass. The skin can also be affected, causing a scaly red/pink skin rash on the upper eyelids, cheeks, chest, elbows, knuckles and knees. When this occurs, the disease is called dermatomyositis, or DM. Exercise can help to improve muscle strength and exercise tolerance if you have DM-PM.

Exercise Is Helpful for DM-PM

According to Arthritis Research UK, moderate exercise helps to improve muscle strength in those with DM-PM. Exercise is generally advised between inflammatory episodes. A pilot study published in "Rheumatology" found that home exercises are a safe and effective therapy for patients with stable, inactive DM-PM.

Stretching Exercises Improve Flexibility

Muscle pain, weakness and periods of inactivity can cause joint stiffness. Stretching exercises improve flexibility, range of motion of joints and posture. Stretching also relieves stress and promotes balance. Stretching should be gentle, and you should breathe freely as you hold each stretch. Pain occurs when you stretch too far. The Mayo Clinic recommends five to 10 minutes of light activity to warm up before stretches. Talk to your doctor to determine the types and frequencies of stretches that are best for you.

Hamstring Stretch

This exercise stretches the hamstring muscles at the back of the thigh. The hamstring muscles act to flex your hip and extend and flex the knee, such as when climbing stairs. Lie down in an uncluttered area near the corner of a wall. Your left leg should be in line with the edge of the corner, and your buttocks should be eight to 12 inches from the wall. Slightly bend your left knee and lift your left leg so that your heel is against the wall. Gently straighten your left leg while resting your heel against the wall until you feel a slight pull along the back of your leg. Hold this position for 30 seconds. Repeat the same actions with your right leg. Do two stretches for the left leg and two for the right. As your flexibility increases, move your buttocks closer to the wall to maximize the stretch.

Quadriceps Stretch

This stretch is for the quadriceps muscle that runs along the front of your thigh. The quadriceps femoris extends the knee. Using an exercise bar or a sturdy piece of exercise equipment for support, hold on to the bar or equipment with your right hand. Bend your left knee, raising your left foot to the point where you can grasp your left ankle with your left hand. Keeping your knees close together, gently raise your foot up and behind you until you feel the stretch in the front of your thigh. Hold for 30 seconds. Tighten your stomach muscles to prevent sagging. Repeat with the right leg. Do two stretches with each leg.

Shoulder Stretch

This exercise, which can be done standing or sitting, stretches the muscles at the back of the shoulder. Extend your left arm in front of you and move it slowly across your upper body. Keeping the left arm level with your shoulders and parallel to the floor, bend your right arm at the elbow, using your right forearm to hold the left arm in position for 30 seconds. Switch arms. Do two stretches for each shoulder.