Is the elliptical machine safe?

[Singer]

I got released from PT last month and have started working out at a gymn (with Boachie's permission) to further build up my weak leg. The recumbent bike and the treadmill feel great, but I'm a little worried about the elliptical, even though my PT person told me it was good for me to use. All of that side-to-side, up and down stepping is really rough on my torso, even though I take it slow and don't use the swinging arm handles. I guess I worry that it doesn't keep my spine as neutral as it should be at this point in my recovery (7 months). I do wear my brace for this machine even though I'm officially weaned off it.

Any thoughts on this??

Just not happy unless I'm worried about SOMEthing,

[Sharshe]

When I was going to PT The assistant put me on the elliptical by accident instead of the treadmill. It killed me, when my PT found out she was very upset. It is great for people with bad knees because it is less impact. It is bad for people with back problems, because of the stress/angle that your placed in. Hope it helps.

[amae28]

personally the eliptical bothers me, and i haven't even had surgery yet! All the up and down motion/ bouncing, especially when you have it set at an incline does a number on my back that the treadmill doesn't nearly as much. I would bet that it bothers you!!

[sccrm08]

I use the elipitical and set it at 1 on the incline and 1 on the resistance and have no problems with it. I was told I can't increase the numbers until 1 year post op. I also use the tredmill...and I must say This was not highly recamended by the PT as the impact on the lower spine may cause problems for me down the road. I also use the recumbant bike ...no problems. Also I get in the pool twice a week and do resistance exercises in there.

[Singer]

Actually, judging by how sore I was today after using the elliptical for 5 or 6 minutes yesterday, I'm not going to use it anymore.