Arthritis Exercise Program
Exercise
for people who suffer with arthritis may not seem to make sense, but an
arthritis exercise program may be one of the best
ways to combat arthritic joint pain. At least
that is what many reports suggest and what has worked wonders for me!
It may sound unreasonable. After
all, our
joints already hurt enough, don't they? Why would we want to
risk more
pain with exercise?
And
in many cases, we may have already found temporary chronic
arthritis
pain relief with other types of therapy.
However, over the years I have seen many articles
written by medical experts
that say
arthritis and
exercise go hand in hand. It is believed that
moderate exercise - even
easy exercises - may
provide arthritis relief AND prevention, and in some instances postpone
further degeneration of the joints.
According to what I have been told, arthritis exercises
can also provide the additional
benefits of...
- reduction of joint pain and stiffness
- stronger joint supporting muscles
- and an increased range of motion and flexibility
...not to mention, their overall benefit to
health, both emotional
and physical.
And, just like all other forms of exercise
they can boost
energy, control weight, and reduce stress and fatigue, which in turn
contributes to better sleep.
Because exercise is also thought to be
beneficial in fighting osteoporosis, high blood pressure, high
cholesterol and heart disease, it also plays an important role in anti
aging.
What is also surprising to a lot of people,
including
myself, who has
arthritis in nearly every joint, is how rapidly the affects of
just a
little bit of exercise can be felt. I have had ALL of my joints benefit
from exercise, including my fingers, hands, feet, knees,
neck
and hips.
That may be why many people consider exercise the
arthritis pain relief secret!
Exercise for People with Arthritis
A doctor or therapist can be a good source
for arthritis
exercise tips
and advice. And, it is important that you visit with one...
...as suggestions may vary
depending
on whether you in need of rheumatoid
arthritis exercises or exercise for osteoarthritis. They may
also have ideas for alternative therapy that you can use for chronic arthritis
pain relief.
Ask
about exercises that are fun! People who I know with with arthritis tend to
stay with an exercise routine longer if it consists of easy exercises
and exercises that are fun.
No matter what type of arthritis exercises you are
in search of, back
arthritis exercise, finger and hand exercise, or
exercise for arthritis
in the knee, the exercises fall into three
categories...
- Range-of-motion
exercises, such as simple stretches, yoga, Pilates,
golf
or dancing will provide you with greater flexibility and coordination.
- Strengthening
exercises that can be done with stretching bands or
weights help build stronger muscles, which in turn provide better
support for arthritic joints.
- Endurance
exercises, which include brisk walking,
bicycling, jogging, hiking and tennis have a tremendous impact on heart
health and
stamina. These exercises are also beneficial for weight control, thus
relieving some of the stress put on your joints by the weight of your
body.
Is
your current pain, or fear that it may
worsen, keeping you from beginning exercise
programs? If so, you may want to talk with a doctor or
physical
therapist about arthritis water exercise.
The buoyancy of the water makes water exercise
extremely gently on the joints, while still providing the benefits
derived from range-of-motion, strengthening and endurance exercise.
The warmth of the water can also have a soothing effect on joints.
If you are finding arthritis relief from water exercise
you may want to consider creating your own home spa treatments
as the
ultimate way to pamper your joints!
|