Swimming is therapeutic for Multiple Sclerosis

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Swimming has many benefits for me as well as others suffering from MS or other limiting injuries and illnesses.

Balance: My right leg is worse than my left, which causes balance issues.  Tree pose on my right side is almost impossible.  The water creates an equilibrium where I feel balanced and easily glided through the water.

Low Impact: Easy on the body, but a full body workout.   Although I still felt the numbness in the water, I didn’t feel held back or less able due to the disease.

Temperature: Many people say the heat makes their MS worse.  I’ve found the cold affects me and makes my legs stiff.  Regardless, for those that suffer from the heat the water will cool them off and for me the water felt warming.

(Photo courtesy of Jennifer C., CC BY 2.0)