Arthritis Exercise - Does it help?
— Arthritis exercise is one part of a comprehensive arthritis
treatment plan. People with arthritis may be less fit, weaker, and
less flexible and have more pain than necessary. What's the relation
between exercise and arthritis, Dr.Arthria explores…. —

ARTHRITIS EXERCISE
~ by Dr. Arthria on www.ArthritisPharmacy.com

Arthritis exercise helps people with arthritis in many ways. It
reduces joint pain and stiffness and increases flexibility, muscle
strength, cardiac fitness, and endurance. It also helps with weight
reduction and contributes to an improved sense of well-being.
Arthritis exercise is one part of a comprehensive arthritis treatment
plan. People with arthritis may be less fit, weaker, and less flexible
and have more pain than necessary. Exercise can help to:

Reduce joint pain and stiffness

Improve flexibility, muscle strength and endurance

Help with weight control

Contribute to an improved sense of well-being

Arthritis exercise which works best for most people is basically of
the following types—

• Range-of-motion/flexibility/stretching exercises (e.g., dance) help
maintain normal joint movement and relieve stiffness. This type of
exercise helps maintain or increase flexibility.

• Strengthening/muscle conditioning exercises (e.g., weight training)
help keep or increase muscle strength. Strong muscles help support and
protect joints affected by arthritis.

• Aerobic or endurance exercises (e.g., bicycle riding) improve
cardiovascular fitness, help control weight, and improve overall
function. Weight control can be important to people who have arthritis
because extra weight puts extra pressure on many joints. Some studies
show that aerobic exercise can reduce inflammation in some joints.

• Cardiovascular exercises.
There are many types of arthritis. There may be exercises that are
off-limits for people with a particular type of arthritis or when
joints are swollen and inflamed. People with arthritis should discuss
their arthritis exercise plans with a doctor. The content of your
arthritis exercise program should be individualized according to what
joints are affected and the severity of your pain. The most successful
programs begin with the knowledge and support of people who are
experienced with both arthritis and exercise.

Whatever arthritis exercise program you decide on you should always
consult with your doctor before starting out. Two other types of
health professionals that can help you develop an exercise program
that fits your specific needs are a physical or occupational
therapist. A physical therapist can show you the proper techniques and
precautions when performing certain types of arthritis exercise. An
occupational therapist can show you how to perform daily activities
without putting additional stress on your joints and can provide you
with splints or assistive devices that can make working out more
comfortable. Not only does a well-rounded exercise program reduce the
risk of heart disease and increase mobility, it helps to reduce the
psychological and emotional pain that often accompanies the
development of any disease or disorder. However at all times you must
consult a qualified health care professional, including a doctor,
before you start on any kind of arthritis exercise

For more information visit www.ArthritisPharmacy.com