Yoga and exercise for paraplegia

Exercise is a key part of living well with paraplegia. It improves strength, heart health, mood and independence. Plan it with your physiotherapist or rehabilitation doctor.

Why exercise helps

• Builds arm, shoulder and trunk strength for transfers and wheelchair use
• Protects heart, lungs and bones
• Reduces spasms and stiffness
• Helps weight control, sleep and mood

Safe options

• Upper body strength: resistance bands, light weights, and wheelchair push-ups if advised
• Aerobic exercise: arm cycling, wheelchair sports, swimming and hand cycling
• Stretching: gentle daily stretches for hips, knees and ankles to prevent contractures
• Standing frame or supported walking: as advised by your team
• Chair yoga and breathing: seated poses, shoulder and chest stretches, Pranayama and meditation for calm and lung health
• Adaptive sports: wheelchair basketball, para swimming and archery

Safety

• Check skin before and after exercise, especially seat and heels
• Use cushions and avoid shearing on rough surfaces
• Stay hydrated and avoid overheating, since sweating control may be reduced
• Stop if you have a pounding headache, sweating, or flushing, which may be autonomic dysreflexia
• Avoid forceful twisting or forced stretching of spastic or insensate limbs

Ayurvedic view

Yoga and Pranayama are traditional practices for calm and well-being. They are a supportive framework and do not restore spinal cord function.

See a doctor if exercise causes new pain, skin redness that does not fade in 30 minutes, or unusual swelling of a leg.

Remember

Start slowly, protect your skin and stay regular. Strong arms and trunk make daily life easier.