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Sat, 8 Aug 1998 13:46:10 -0400 Gail Vass <[log in to unmask]> wrote in part: <<<< Loosen up your shoulders, chest and back by doing this "funky chicken" exercise. It takes only a minute and releases a lot of tension in your upper body. It can be done from either a sitting or standing position. Place your fingertips on your shoulders, elbows pointing out to the sides. Pull your elbows back as far as you can. Push your elbows forward and try to touch them together. Repeat 10 times. Now, keeping your fingertips on your shoulders, lift your elbows up and then push them down to your sides, as if you're trying to fly. Repeat 10 times. Take A Deep Breath Deep breathing is probably the simplest yet most effective relaxation technique. Shallow, rapid breathing is a common reaction to stress. So deep, slow breathing can actually interrupt your stress response and help you to relax. Close your eyes. Breath out slowly and completely through your mouth. Watch your stomach "cave in" as you breath out. Now breath in slowly and deeply through your nose. Watch your stomach expand as you breathe in. Hold for five seconds, then exhale and begin the cycle again. Repeat at least five times, or for as much time as you have. >>>> Hello Gail and all "funky chickens", I would like to give some WARNINGS about these exercises: 1) doing these exercises in standing position can give problems to PWP: - dizziness, - loss of balance, - falling. 2) the two "funky chicken" exercises can give problems to PWP with "frozen shoulders": - acute pain, - worsening of the chronic pain by irritation, - worsening of the chronic stiffness of the shoulder. 3) deep breathing can cause: - dizziness, - hyperventilation attacks, - (extra) lowering of the bloodpressure. 4) closing the eyes can cause: - dizziness, - loss of balance, - falling. Conclusion: These exercises are meant for HEALTHY persons, and are not in all cases advisable for all PWP. Some time ago (a month?) there were exercises and tips exchanged for low back pain and frozen shoulder. Here also is a warning in order: low back pain and frozen shoulder are very general medical terms for whatever problems there can be diagnozed in those areas. So the exercises for low back pain nr.1 can be totally different from the exercises for low back pain nr.2.... Some exercises are good for nr.1, but worsen nr.2.....etc. If you want to do exercises, you must realize yourself the severity and complexity of PD and ask your physical therapist, or other movement specialist for adjusted exercises, especially suitable for you personally. Hans.