Tremors, Motor Skills, Hysterectomy and Weightlifting

[swiminator]

Hi Coach,

I wanted to get your advice and perhaps from some of the health care professionals that frequent the forum here.

My mother-in-law, age 67-ish, experiences frequent tremors in her hands; a shaking and lack of fine motor skills. However, these symptoms seem to only be present when the hands/arms are under load, say pouring from a teapot. That being said, I suppose the tremors may be absent in things like operating a computer mouse or crocheting due to the fact that her hand may be supported by a desk or armrest.

I have theorized that weight training could help her regain some control and help to sharpen her motor skills. I don't know how true this is, but being stronger in general certainly would not be a hindrance.

Here's the "but". My mother-in-law has also had an hysterectomy about 2-3 years ago. I have heard from a number of people (my wife being one of them) that once a woman has had an hysterectomy that they should never lift heavy again. I have held the opposite view since getting stronger involves progressive and programmed loading; starting small and working up.

Do you, or anyone else, have any experience dealing with either or both of these issues in your clients (tremors, post-hysterectomy)? Is the "don't lift after hysterectomy" wisdom just an urban myth? I would appreciate any insight as I would like to offer to help my family members improve their quality of life if possible.

Thank you for you time, and thank you for the work you do. It has changed me from a desk-jockey well on his way to muscular-atrophy into someone with above average strength.

[Mark Rippetoe]

Not lifting after a hysterectomy doesn't even rise to the level of urban myth. Let's pretend your wife never said that, so you don't have to doubt her intelligence otherwise. The tremor is of more concern, in that it may be associated with other pathologies. In general, strength training helps everything, but I'd like to see Sully's comments.

[Gwynn]

Not lifting after a hysterectomy doesn't even rise to the level of urban myth. Let's pretend your wife never said that, so you don't have to doubt her intelligence otherwise. The tremor is of more concern, in that it may be associated with other pathologies. In general, strength training helps everything, but I'd like to see Sully's comments.

I don't know, maybe having a uterus is a must for lifting.

[swiminator]

Not lifting after a hysterectomy doesn't even rise to the level of urban myth. Let's pretend your wife never said that, so you don't have to doubt her intelligence otherwise.

In fairness to my bride, let's chalk this one up to misinformation courtesy of our wonderfully efficient and ever so knowledgeable universal health care system here in Canuckistan.

[Carlos Daniel]

I don't know, maybe having a uterus is a must for lifting.

I must acquire one then.

If fine motor skills are the problem, I would think squats would not be hindered since a squat isn't really "fine" as far as motor skills go.

I too would like Sully's opinion.

[Jonathon Sullivan]

The hysterectomy is most definitely not an issue. As Rip has implied, We Shall Speak No More Of This.

This would be my approach to the tremor; I'll be interested to see what Rip thinks about it:

1. Evaluate her ability to perform the lifts at low weights....which you would do anyway. If the tremor does not interfere with the ability to perform the exercises, then proceed as you would for any other novice of her demographic until it does, if it does. Do not expect the lifting to resolve or even improve the tremors, and do not allow her to harbor any such expectation. The tremors are likely due to some degree of neurodegeneration, and that is something that I would not expect barbell medicine to improve. If it helps, that is an unexpected bonus. If not, well, the training has many other benefits.

2. Have her tremor evaluated by a neurologist. Differential diagnosis includes Parkinsonism, benign essential tremor (most likely by far), myoclonus, drug effect, hyperthyroid, electrolyte abnormality, etc. It deserves to be checked out by somebody who knows more about the shakes than an emergency physican.

In my opinion, 1. and 2. may be pursued concurrently, unless you find in the course of 1. that the tremor is exacerbated by and/or during the lifts, such that they interfere with the safe execution of the exercises themselves. Based on the minimal information you provide, I think this unlikely, and you will only do her a world of good by getting her on her way.

All the usual caveats pertain: I cannot and did not examine her, use your good judgement, this is not a formal medical consult, no duty to treat attaches, see your doctor, for informational purposes only, yadda yadda yadda.

[swiminator]

I don't know, maybe having a uterus is a must for lifting.

Maybe that's why I keep stalling! As the so-called theory goes, the hysterectomy supposedly leaves a space (or cavity if you will) that is susceptible to collapse under strain. Like I said, I never believed it, but I am not inclined to argue over something that does not affect my own body. I would, however, like to put my wife's and other extended family members minds at ease with whatever anecdotal, training and medical evidence I can readily get my hands on.

[Mark Rippetoe]

They think the space is filled with air? A vacuum? Speak No More Of This. Memorize Sully's post. Act thereon.

[Simma Park]

I don't know, maybe having a uterus is a must for lifting.

I thought the myth was that our uteruses would fall out if we delicate flowers strained too hard.

Hysterectomy? Problem solved! Lift super heavy without danger!

[Simma Park]

As the so-called theory goes, the hysterectomy supposedly leaves a space (or cavity if you will) that is susceptible to collapse under strain.

Sorry--I know we are To Speak No More Of This, but I am so tickled by this "theory". A uterus is--what--the size of a small pear? If that amount of space were actually that much of an issue, then our guts would be in danger of collapsing under strain every time we moved our bowels, wouldn't they?