Posted on September 18, 2007 in Latest News
It was thought for many years that if you had arthritis you should not exercise because it would damage your joints. Now, however, research has shown that exercise is an essential tool in managing your arthritis.
Regular, moderate exercise offers a whole host of benefits to people with arthritis.
- Exercise reduces joint pain and stiffness
- Builds strong muscle around the joints
- Increases flexibility and endurance.
- Promotes overall health and fitness by giving you more energy
- Helps you sleep better
- Controls your weight
- Decreases depression
- Gives you more self-esteem.
- Exercise helps stave off other health problems such as osteoporosis and heart disease.
For some exercise is a scary and tedious experience. For some the very thought of it is unthinkable as it has been ages since one has exercised for fear of hurting themselves.
Well, don’t worry exercise is not as bad as you think, it’s your attitude that matters.
The important thing to remember is to start slow and make it fun. It is always good to start with flexibility exercises, which are basically stretching exercises that will improve your range of motion and help you perform daily activities.
Your comfort is what matters most. Once you feel comfortable you can move on to weight training and endurance exercises such as bicycling.
You may be reluctant to exercise because you are in such pain. If this is the case you may want to start with a water exercise program. In the water your body’s buoyancy reduces stress on your hips, knees, and spine.
Exercise choices for people with arthritis may include:
- Walking - Walking can be an excellent exercise choice. Walking helps build strength and maintain joint flexibility, aids in bone health and reduces the risk of osteoporosis.
- Tai Chi- The practice of Tai Chi is a gentle martial arts exercise which helps one to relax, maintain mobility and improve range of motion.
- Yoga - Yoga can provide pain relief, relax stiff muscles and ease sore joints. Yoga with its controlled movements, pressures, stretches and deep breathing relaxation, can also provide needed range of motion exercise.
- Water exercises / Swimming – Warm water exercise is an excellent way for those with arthritis to build up strength, ease stiff joints and relax sore muscles. The water helps support the body while the joints are moved through the full range-of-motion. The buoyancy of the water places less stress on the hips, knees and spine.
- Bicycling / Cycling – Cycling, both indoor and outdoor, may provide a good low impact exercise option. Cycling as an exercise, can be either freestanding or stationary. Cycling equipment can be adjusted and adapted for many of the limitations imposed by arthritis.
- Running / Jogging – Running may still be good exercise for those with arthritis if they run on softer surfaces. Walking or gentler forms of exercise may be a better option for people with arthritis in their lower extremities. Research indicates, contrary to popular belief, that running does not cause osteoarthritis in those with normal, uninjured knees.
Always consult with your doctor before starting out on any exercise. For this matter you can consult
A physical therapist who will show you the proper techniques and precautions when performing certain types of exercise.
A occupational therapist who will show you how to perform daily activities without putting additional stress on your joints. He/ she can provide you with splints or assistive devices that can make working out more comfortable.
» Filed Under Latest News
Comments
Leave a Reply
