Training ...with a handicap. Input/insight appreciated!

[CrazyEnough]

Im sorry, this may be lenghty, but Id love some help...

I help build training and diet programs for trainees as a sideline. I wish I could do this fulltime !! Ive had great success thus far with both weight loss and muscle buiding clients, but my new ''client'' is a little touchy...

His name is ''Dad'' and he's mine! My father is 54 yrs old and was born with a broken arm. This resulted in various surgeries in his youth, where bone was taken from other bodyparts (mainly hips) and fused to the weaker portions of his very weak arm and shoulder. He can hold heavy weights in the weak arm's hand, but cannot lift the arm without assiatcne (most often, his other hand). His trapeizus is very mobile, but weakened. He has little to no feeling on that side.

He always worked a very physical job as a butcher and despite severe back pain (resulting from the major imbalance), he had a fair amount of muscle, even on his weak side (see enclosed pic to understand the size difference in his arms). 5 years ago, he was injured at work and has been in a non physical role ever since. He has lost strenght, size and the back pain has become greater since the imbalance is now emphasized as the stronger side of his upper body has now completely taken over.

He was advised by his doc that, for health reasons, he should start workinig out a little. Since my mother has been under my wing for about 1.5 yrs now, he turned to me for a workout plan.

I am thinking about working his weak side using resistance bands and very light weights @high reps to rebuild muscle endurance; while his strong side would be worked in the same fashion (light weights - high reps) to avoid increasing the imbalance further by adding too much muscle on his strong side. The last thi ng I want to do is make his lifelong ''injury'' any worst...

Does anyone have any insight or ever trained someone with a similar handicap??

TIA!

[bulldog71]

Tough situation T! The only insight I may have is to possibly leave the good arm alone and only train the left side. This may force his body to overcompensate since he hasn't used it much ever. That may cause some growth and strength there, and when it starts to catch up, resume use of the other arm in the training. I hope it helps, but I doubt it since I have no idea how to train people with disabilities. The theory sounds good anyway! lol Good luck to you.

[asmolenski]

I would start with a physical therapist who can evaluate his weak areas and come up with a program that makes sense for him. Small improvements in strength and flexibility will make a huge difference but you need to go slow. If you go to the appointments with him then you can discuss weight lifting programs etc.

[Cgb6810]

Originally Posted by asmolenski

I would start with a physical therapist who can evaluate his weak areas and come up with a program that makes sense for him. Small improvements in strength and flexibility will make a huge difference but you need to go slow. If you go to the appointments with him then you can discuss weight lifting programs etc.

X2^^

It's great that you have a chance to help train your father. My father thinks training is bad for you and that we all eat nuts and twigs. He would never set foot in a gym.

I agree, that a physical therapist would be a good way to get you pointed in the right direction. Your father's health issues sound somewhat complex. Im sure he will progress with the right program and you can help him with that. Nothing wrong with calling on a specialist and I bet your father will appreciate you going the extra mile to make sure his rehabilitation is the best possible.

[CrazyEnough]

Thx for the feedback guys.

He has seen a sports rehabilitation specialist ... Who then directed him to personal training services lololol He did the prescribed rehab, which included very little resistance work.

[Olie]

How about water based stuff to get the support structures working together again? I would use it as a supplement to the weighted routines you are talking about but he can hit the pool every day. Water aerobics work the entire body but I'm sure an instructor can make up a limited one for just the upper body. Just a thought......
Thanks for sharing your story though, every day I come to appreciate the people on here, more and more.

[CrazyEnough]

Originally Posted by Olie

How about water based stuff to get the support structures working together again? I would use it as a supplement to the weighted routines you are talking about but he can hit the pool every day. Water aerobics work the entire body but I'm sure an instructor can make up a limited one for just the upper body. Just a thought......
Thanks for sharing your story though, every day I come to appreciate the people on here, more and more.

This is an awesome idea!!!! I wonder if I could convince him to get in there 2-3 X per week... Maybe if I find him a hot trainer LOLOLOL

[Olie]

Originally Posted by CrazyEnough

This is an awesome idea!!!! I wonder if I could convince him to get in there 2-3 X per week... Maybe if I find him a hot trainer LOLOLOL

There's just something about an aerobics instructor in a swimsuit......*drool*!!
Good luck, keep us informed or better yet, tell him to make an account here and he can tell us himself!

[CrazyEnough]

Originally Posted by Olie

There's just something about an aerobics instructor in a swimsuit......*drool*!!
Good luck, keep us informed or better yet, tell him to make an account here and he can tell us himself!

LMAO, indeed!!! Nothing like a (wet) hod bod!

He doesnt speak english..nor does he speak ''computers'' lololol
But I will surely update on his progress.

[CYLON RAIDER]

IMO
Machine/Cables work to support the injured side. Work the weaker side first then do only as many with the strong side so the weaker one can catch up.

[lukamar]

Originally Posted by CrazyEnough

He doesnt speak english

That shouldn't be a problem in Quebec as long as he speaks French. Lots of very very very hot girls in Quebec ... Unfortunately I married one many years ago...LOL

[gbg]

Swimming is great for people who suffer from chronic LBP the water enables you to exercise while keeping pressure off the spine, just make sure whatever pool you go to is heated warm water is more affective when doing rehab work because it helps to keep the muscles loose and with circulation cold water will be less affective. For the arm he really needs to be evaluated by a professional who can tell you where his weak points are as well as what muscles need to be stretched, his arm has been in a fixed position for a long time so I'm sure there's scar tissue built up which is also decreasing his ROM. Using therabands is fine,from what I understand he has no shoulder abd, you could try working on thei using negative resistance with assistance, have him lay down on his side assist the arm into abd if he has no control bringing the arm down have him lay supine (on his bck) and have him slowly slide his arm into abd (arm is always in contact w/mat) ER w/therabnd. Hard to say from what I know. Good luck your dad is very lucky to have you on his team.

[Jimmer1220]

Well I guess I can relate a little bit. I broke my arm and shattered my shoulder when I was like 9 (this was back in the 70's)... And all they did was put it in a sling and send me on my way. As a result, the growth bone was broken so my left arm is shorter than my right. I guess its more embarrassing than it is anything. Although whenever I work out - its a struggle for me because I dont have that "perfect lift" or whatever, because of the length difference. Certain exercises I look lopsided and that sucks.. but I refuse to let my handicap get me down.. so I goto the gym and give it my all! My right arm is definitely stronger than my left, so I just keep pushing my left arm as much as I can despite the couple inches in length. Tell him to give it his all!

[IR45N]

Nice pic & beautiful background!
Agree with the rest; get a physical therapist to evaluate & suggest a program you can help him with. Best to you both!

[EMISGOD]

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