United Brachial Plexus Network, Inc.

Hi Everyone

Its been a while since I've posted Frankie is now 17 and has joined the local vol fire dept he thinks this is what he might choose as a career. Frankie came to me the other day and asked if he could join a gym with some friends and start working out he wants to build muscle, he's 6 ft and 200 lbs and pretty built as it is my only concern is if its safe I mean theres over use of the right side I know that but can there be damage done to the affected side from building up the oppsite side and does any one have any advise to share with him on the pros and cons of weight lifting hearing it from mom means nothing. Thanks Mare

Hi Mare,
What Frankie should do is consult with a personal trainer, one who understands that he is limited on one side, who can help him do the right exercises/weights. He can do damage to BOTH sides if not done properly!

Thanks Marieke thats what I said specially since he had the mod quad just 3 yrs ago and i don't think many personal trainers in the gyms around here are qualified to help him I sent Dr Waters an email but still haven't gotten a reply. I'm trying to get through his thick head that even though he can do everything his friends can do it isn't always smart to do it.
Mare

Gotta be careful about the rotator cuff on the injured side while doing presses... that's always been an issue with me.

Or any exercise done improperly. I have a torn rotator and bicep in the good arm. No idea how it happened--I think it wore out or I exercised wrong. Now the BPI shoulder is acting up. I would really spend the time to have a professional educate him on the right and wrong ways to lift weights--it could make a huge difference in preserving both arms while building strength.
Thanks
Pat

Use cables instead of free weights or machines, don't do any weights in the good arm heavier than the bad arm can do, and try to balance out pushing/pulling exercises in the upper body. For me, pulling tends to be much harder. Also, lift very slowly, and try to have symetrical form, dictated by the bad arm. Momentum is not your friend, but smooth controlled movements are. Also, just realize that there are certain things one of your arms just can't do. I can't do a shoulder press at all with the left arm, so I just don't do them. Developing your body unproportionately will only exaggerate the problems associated with BPI.

-Chris 25/LOBPI

That makes a lot of sense. I was using a machine that I hooked my Erb's arm to and lifted with my good arm. It did loosen up the Erbs a little, but destroyed the other arm. I'm ready for 2 bionic arms!!!!

not a very good idea because the good arm already takes on much resposability as is and because of that he is more susceptible to arthritis carple tunnel and tendanitis.woking out is good but keep it light and try to stick to the cables. try to use both arms too because the bad arm mirrors the good arm and helpes to keep good form. if he has a physical therapist he should talk to them on what exercises to do and if he doesn't he should look into it they do help!