Using Exercise to Manage Arthritis Symptoms

Exercise offers major health benefits to virtually everyone. That said, it’s particularly important for
people with arthritis. Staying active has been shown to significantly reduce joint pain and stiffness in
arthritic patients, while also strengthening key muscles that protect joints.

That doesn’t mean you need to commit to a vigorous fitness program if you have this condition. You’re
better off coordinating with a professional to develop a program consisting of safe exercises. After all,
arthritis can make it difficult to be active. You need to make sure you’re exercising in a way that yields
benefits without putting you at risk of experiencing greater discomfort.

With direct access to physical therapy in NY, CA, and elsewhere, it’s easier than ever to get guidance
from an expert. Of course, the types of exercises a professional may recommend will vary based on
your specific condition and needs. That said, they are likely to belong to one or more of the following
general categories:

Aerobic Exercises

Aerobic exercises tend to improve cardiovascular health and burn calories. This helps you lose weight,
which is essential for many arthritic patients.

That’s because your body weight puts pressure on your joints. If you’re overweight or obese, that can
result in greater discomfort than you would otherwise experience.

Losing weight helps to alleviate your pain. One study even indicates losing just 10 pounds would reduce
the amount of pressure on your knees by 40 pounds.

Strengthening Exercises

It’s also commonly beneficial for people with arthritis to build muscle. Muscles protect joints and tend to
do so effectively when they are strong.

Just remember not to exercise the same muscles groups two days in a row. Some people assume they’ll
get faster results if they work out the same muscles every day. This is not the case. Muscles can only
grow from exercise if they are allowed to recover from a workout. This is yet another reason it helps
to coordinate with an expert when developing a fitness plan.

Range-of-Motion Exercises

These exercises are often fairly simple. They may consist of basic movements like rolling your shoulders
forward and backward. However, over time, they can help to relieve stiffness and improve your range of
motion.

General Tips

To stay safe when working out, focus on low-impact exercises, and never push yourself beyond your
limits. It’s better to take a break than overexert yourself. If you’re already experiencing some
discomfort before working out, apply heat 20 minutes beforehand to alleviate it. Applying ice after your
workout can also help to guard against pain.

Most importantly, check with your doctor before starting a new exercise program. By communicating
with your physician and working with a fitness expert, you’ll safely reap the benefits of fitness for
arthritis.

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