Using a Rebounder with a Disability

by Raul
(Buffalo, NY)

Hello - I am a 62 yr old former paratrooper on my second total hip prosthesis (L/hip revision due to sepsis) as well as total diffuse degenerative joint disease, chronic pain, severe peripheral neuropathy, type II diabetes and COPD.

It is obvious that any general forms of exercise are out of the question and as a result I have gone from a trim, muscular 240 lbs. on a 6'4" frame to 312 lbs. on a 6'3" frame over a span of five (5) years.

My concern is not the expense but the safe use and the efficacy of such a device as the "Rebounder" for one such as myself for whom normal or modified exercise programs have proven ineffective due to infliction of extreme pain as well as rapid exhaustion and fatigue after only a few minutes of work.

Can you advise a not so old soldier in this regard? Thank you.


ANSWER


Hi Raul,

The rebounder is one of the best ways to reap the health benefits of exercise even with a disability.

I definitely recommend buying a stabilizing bar to go with it though.

The health bounce (see rebounder exercises for instructions) requires very little effort, yet it will oxygenate your tissues, strengthen every cell in your body, flush your lymphatic system, boost your immune system, and (especially important for you) increase your ability to breathe easier. These are just a few of the many rebounder benefits.

If you are not strong enough to bounce lightly on your own, you can still enjoy the health benefits.

You could sit in a chair and place your legs on the mat. Lightly bouncing your legs is all you need to do. Start with just a minute or two and increase slowly depending on how you feel.

You can also have someone lightly bounce you, either with you sitting on the mat or sitting on a chair with your legs on the mat.

Be very careful about what brand of rebounder you buy. Cheaper models actually will put more pressure on your joints and back and will end up causing you more pain.

I only recommend Needak rebounders because I believe they provide the highest quality available. It's a nice bonus that they are made in the U.S. See my best rebounders page for why I call them the best.

Needak does tend to have the most expensive units, but in the case of mini trampolines you definitely do get what you pay for.

That being said, Amazon.com generally has the best deals.

You'll need to get a hard bounce model, as those are for people over 300 lbs.

The other thing that strikes me about your health conditions is that they all sound like vitamin D deficiency symptoms. I'd strongly recommend getting your vitamin D levels checked.

Let me know if you have any more questions.

Wishing you all the best,

Melissa
Approach Wellness