Exercise Is Good for Arthritis

By Donna Stark

It used to be that doctors would tell you to rest your body when it was in pain and many people, still today, tend to believe that. They also believe that arthritis and exercise do not go hand in hand, however that couldn't be further from the truth. Studies have shown that daily, moderate exercise is an essential tool for the successful management of arthritis as it can improve mobility, function, and quality of life. In other words, you need to get moving no matter how difficult that may seem. 

Exercise Is Good for Arthritis

Most people who suffer from arthritis have difficulty staying active because the pain, stiffness, and inflammation they experience is too much to bear. However, engaging in exercise is exactly what they should be doing! If you suffer from arthritis and are feeling overwhelmed with the thought of exercise, don't worry! Take a look at the following tips on where to begin.

• Time - You aren't trying to win your city's next marathon so working out for hours on end, day after day, isn't going to be in your future. All you need is 30 minutes of moderate exercise every day. Be sure to engage in activities that have little to no impact on your joints though, such as walking, cycling, and swimming, and try to avoid the ones that repeatedly twist or stress your joints.
• Stretching - By making simple stretches part of your fitness routine, you can help improve flexibility and ease joint pain caused by arthritis. Stretching helps to lubricate the joints, ease muscle tension, and increase your range of motion. It's a great way to start your day and your workouts!
• Strength-training - Strengthening your muscles helps to take the pressure and stress off of your joints. It's important to strength-train at least a couple of times a week. If you aren't sure how much you should lift or have trouble executing the proper form, seek help. You definitely don't want to injure yourself or exacerbate the pain you are already dealing with.
• Balance exercises - Many arthritis sufferers have either fallen or are afraid they will fall and it is easy to see why. Arthritis is one of the leading contributors to fall-related injuries so it is critical to incorporate balance activities into your workouts. Consider joining a tai chi, dance, or yoga class for this.

Moving Through Life

If you need more guidance on how to begin this journey, seek help from your primary medical provider or come on in to see your local chiropractor at The Joint Chiropractic! Just don't delay! Taking the steps to increase your mobility may end up being one of the most important decisions of your lifetime.

To learn more about your health, wellness, and fitness, see your local chiropractor at The Joint Chiropractic in Parma, Ohio.