Physical activity is one of the most important tools for maintaining both physical and mental health in patients with various types of arthritis. Regular exercise keeps the muscles strong and flexible and helps control the pain and swelling that occur in a damaged joint. Exercise can also help overweight patients make the lifestyle changes necessary to properly care for their joints. Show
advertisement In addition to the physical benefits, exercise can help relieve stress, improve mood, and reduce anxiety through the release of chemicals called endorphins. For patients suffering from arthritis, keeping a positive state of mind is just as important as maintaining a normal level of physical functioning. While it is more commonly known that exercise can be helpful for people with degenerative arthritis like osteoarthritis, arthritis exercises can also be helpful for inflammatory arthritis sufferers such as those with rheumatoid arthritis. See Water Workouts Ease Fibromyalgia Pain In This Article:Preparing for ExerciseBefore beginning an exercise program, it is essential to talk to a doctor to determine the severity of arthritis and what types of exercise will be most appropriate and beneficial. Patients may choose to go to any qualified physician such as a primary care doctor, or specialists with extensive training in exercise and physical therapy methods such as a sports medicine doctor or a physiatrist (also referred to as a doctor of Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation (PM&R)). Learn about the types of doctors who treat arthritis, such physiatrists, in Arthritis Treatment Specialists A visit to a physician would include a medical history and physical exam to evaluate the extent of the joint damage and uncover any other medical conditions that may influence the recommended arthritis exercise program. The doctor can help with pain relief by prescribing appropriate pain medications, recommend appropriate bracing for joint protection and perform joint injections with various therapeutic medications. If needed, the doctor would order appropriate images, such as x-rays or MRIs, of the affected joint. The doctor or other exercise specialist can establish a baseline of the patient’s abilities including range of motion, strength, and flexibility in order to measure progress later on. advertisement Once a decision is made on the appropriate kinds of exercise, there are a few tips that can help the patient get the most out of each session:
Most importantly, if certain exercises seem to make the pain worse, or joints become red or swollen following exercise, do not continue without consulting a doctor. Patients are advised to listen to their bodies and to stop exercising and call a doctor if they experience nausea, vomiting, headache, chest pains, significant shortness of breath, or other medical problems. Exercise Adaptations for People with ArthritisCertain types of exercise and specific modifications are more appropriate for patients suffering from different types of arthritis. Doctors and physical therapists know which exercises will be best for each individual and the stage of disease. The following modifications have been outlined by the American College of Sports Medicine and the American Academy of Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation:
What should a client with an arthritic condition avoid before an exercise session?Avoid jarring movements and high-impact activities such as running. Respect pain, do not ignore it, and monitor for pain during exercise. Start slow and increase activity gradually. Pay attention to posture and alignment.
What activity should be avoided by individuals with arthritis?For arthritis that affects the joints, running, jogging, jumping rope, high impact aerobics or any other exercise where both feet are off the ground at the same time are to be avoided.
What are the primary concerns for you as a trainer when training an arthritic client?No matter how well you are cueing a client through an exercise, the fact is that their body may literally not be able to perform that exercise.. Excessive body weight.. Lack of joint surface alignment, lubrication and disease.. Reduced integrity of ligaments and strength of surrounding muscles.. What activities should be avoided with osteoarthritis?You may need to avoid activities that put too much strain on the joints, such as running and sports that involve jumping, quick turns, or sudden stops — tennis and basketball, for example. Swimming and pool exercises have several advantages for people with osteoarthritis. Warm water is soothing to muscles and joints.
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