Blake Medical Center

Exercising With Arthritis

Living with arthritis doesn’t mean you can’t do the things you love, and that includes exercise!

Moderate exercise on a regular basis can actually benefit people who have arthritis by reducing joint pain, building stronger muscles to support the joints, and increasing flexibility and endurance!

Where to start

When beginning an exercise plan, the most important thing to remember is to start slow. A good starting point for someone with arthritis is range of motion exercises. These exercises increase mobility of the joints and can help you move better with daily activities. Watch these exercise videos for some examples of stretching exercises. Your doctor or physical therapist also may be able to recommend specific range of motion exercises for you.

Moving on

After spending some time with range of motion exercises, strength training can be added to your exercise regimen. Strengthening the muscles around affected joints helps to support those joints and relieves some of the pain of arthritis.

· Isometrics are a type of strengthening exercise involving limited joint movement. They focus on building individual muscles groups through flexing and relaxation. Talk to your doctor or physical therapist to learn how to safely perform these.

· H20! Hydrotherapy or aqua therapy is exercise performed in the pool. The buoyancy of water makes these exercises easier on the joints, but allows for resistance training.

· Endurance exercises are important for people with arthritis because they can aid in weight loss and management. Added weight can put more pressure on affected joints, so keeping a healthy weight is key. People with arthritis should begin with about 15-20 minutes of aerobic exercise three times a week and work up to 30 minutes a day. Aerobic exercise includes walking, biking, low-impact dance, etc.

You should always check with a doctor before beginning any exercise program. An occupational therapist may also be able to give you specific recommendations for exercising with your condition. Remember to start slow and make your exercise fun so it becomes a habit!

For more information on living with arthritis, visit the Joint Care Center at Blake Medical Center or call Consult-A-Nurse® at 1-888-359-3552 for a physician referral.

Sources:

Introduction to Exercise (Arthritis Foundation)

Exercise to Treat Arthritis (WebMD)

Tags: arthritis, Arthritis exercise, Blake Medical Center, Hydrotherapy, Isometrics, Joint Care