In 2001 Judith Morrison discovered that she had Relapsing / Remitting Multiple Sclerosis. In 2006 she was introduced to the FlexxiCore Passive Exerciser by Duncan Hulin, her Yoga Teacher and Shiatsu Therapist. (You can read Duncan’s report at the foot of this page.)
Judith wrote about her first experiences in 2007:
“I was introduced to the FlexxiCore in August 2006. I had seen another model. It only had one speed, 160rpm. I watched someone using it and felt being shaken like that was not something I wished to experience as it would probably set off a bout of MS symptoms.
“I took part in a 30 day trial run by Energy for Health (who sell these exercisers) with health practitioners and patientsusing the FlexxiCore model.
“I used the machine while lying on my bed and started for a few minutes twice a day at the lowest speed, 80rpm, building up time and speed gradually.
“During the trial I had to get used to the movement. I experienced headaches and other reactions that passed as I would reduce the time and speed for a few days. I expected some kind of reaction as it was helping the body’s circulation and that would ‘release toxins’.
“Over the four weeks of the trial the main things I noticed were:
- Reduction in pain in legs
- Some mobility in pelvis area
- Easier to stand with back, hips and feet more aligned with what my physiotherapist tells me to do
- Less tension in shoulders
- Now able to use my pedal exerciser more, and no longer a chore, but enjoying the feeling of movement of legs
- Improvement in sleep
- Initially made me more relaxed, and deeper breathing after using the FlexxiCore; I think this is being converted in to the beginnings of a feeling of wellbeing that I have not had for some time, and the sort of physical feeling that used to come from a good walk
- Ankles were not very swollen, as I made a point of putting my feet up often, but hardly any problem with swollen ankles in last two weeks of the FlexxiCore trial
- Able to sit for longer at computer, and if I was still not getting pain in soles of feet, I would be walking better
- And best of all, the heavy fatigue feeling has gone; still getting the MS tiredness, but that is part of the demyelination.
“I was pleased with the results I had using the FlexxiCore, so I bought one. I have used it daily (two or three times for 5-15 minutes) ever since.
“In May 2007 I was able to get up from the floor on my own with the aid of a chair. So I now use the FlexxiCore on the floor.
“There are different models of these Passive Exercisers available. The important technical bit to look at is its motor. I think what enabled me to be able to use it (and enjoy it) was the control I had over the speed. Sometimes I want a slow, relaxing ‘ride’, other times the pleasure of more movement.
“The FlexxiCore has 3 auto programs. My favourite is auto 2, which over 15 minutes goes from 80rpm to 140rpm max, maintains speed, and then comes down to 95rpm.”
Judith became such a vocal fan of the FlexxiCore that she composed a poem and sent it to us for our website:
“Spasm and pain. It’s my legs again.
This time it is bad, the worst relapse I’ve had.
Sleep is elusive. Moving is hard. Fatigue gains a hold.
A yoga therapist calls weekly. He stretches aching limbs. Oh, when will I be up and walking again?
Then an exercise machine swinging my legs, to and fro, to and fro.
Just a few minutes daily, laid on a bed. Slowly at first, then a touch faster.
Relaxing. Breathing. Pain reduces. Sleep improves. Fatigue decreases.
The peddle exerciser is no longer a chore. I want to do more!
Movement is joy. It is back in my body.
Down on the floor for twists and stretches.
Then on the FlexxiCore for ‘rides’, better than ever.
With the aid of a chair I get up by myself. Flexibility and wellbeing once lost are reclaimed.
“It helps the little muscles too”, the voice on the radio said. The novel walking aid arrived to help balance and foot drag.
It is true, I now wiggle my toes and can feel my feet.
I do it all daily. It is a pleasure, a treat.
Now I’m out through the door, dreaming of striding o’er Exmoor.”
In 2014 Judith was diagnosed with a second neurological condition, Sensory Processing Disorder. She still uses the FlexxiCore daily and has put an entry on the “Useful Equipment” page on her website at http://www.enjoylivingcontentedly.com/wellbeing/useful-equipment/42-flexxicore-passive-exerciser.html - where she describes it as “great for people with limited mobility.” She says "I love it and use it twice a day. It is at the end of my bed and sometimes I use it on the lowest speed at night to help relieve pains in my legs.”
Report from Duncan Hulin – Director of The Devon School of Yoga, and Shiatsu Practitioner: 6th November 2006
“In the capacity of a Yoga and Shiatsu Therapist I have been seeing this patient [female: 53] for the past 30 months. I have worked with her using a combination of simple yoga breathing coordinated stretching exercises along with regular Shiatsu treatments, which include passive stretching, manipulation and acupressure.
“One area receiving particular focus has been the realignment of her pelvis which gets put out of alignment due to spasms caused by her MS condition. I have noted in recent months since she has been using a FlexxiCore Passive Exerciser (which I introduced her to) an improvement to the degree of misalignment as well as an improvement in her general wellbeing, which I feel has been influenced by the overall improved circulation that the FlexxiCore gives. Having worked as a body oriented Therapist for over twenty years and having seen many clients with MS I am impressed with the positive effects that I have observed in this patient since her use of the machine.”
Duncan Hulin MRSS