Arthritis Exercises – Staying Active Can Help Alleviate Symptoms
Arthritis is a disease that affects millions of Americans of all ages. While there are a wide variety of treatments available in today’s medical landscape, a true arthritis management strategy should consist of several different methods, including arthritis exercises. Most often an arthritis patient will be prescribed either anti-inflammatory or pain medications, or both. This is usually supplemented with diet restrictions and arthritis exercises to help control weight. This is because it is widely established that one of the most effective ways to prevent the pain, stiffness, and potential loss of mobility in affected joints is by engaging in Arthritis Exercises.
There are several different types of arthritis exercises that can be useful in maintaining an active lifestyle, but you should always check with your doctor to see what, if any, exercises are appropriate for your particular condition. A place your doctor may start you off with arthritis exercises is stretching, which is one of the simplest types of physical activity you can engage in. Though these are generally considered light and non-impact types of Arthritis Exercises, the results can be extremely satisfying. Regardless of whether your doctor recommends Yoga lessons or sessions with a certified exercise physiologist or physical therapist, stretching can help to keep your joints loose, limber and pain free.
Other Arthritis Exercises that your doctor may recommend are strength or resistance training. The way these arthritis exercises provide relief to joints is by strengthening muscles to allow them to absorb shock. The more impact strong muscles can absorb the less stress on your affected joints. The first, and most highly recommended, types of arthritis exercises are called Isometric. These exercises are targeted to the muscles only, with minimal or no movement of the joints. The second type of strength exercise is Isotonic, where the joints are moved in the performance of the exercise. Isotonic exercise has the advantage of being flexible, allowing you to add or drop the weights used.
If you are healthy enough, one of the best overall types of Arthritis Exercises to work into your routine is Aerobic exercise. These arthritis exercises are defined as any activity that continually uses the large muscles of the body in rhythm, such as walking, swimming, or dancing. The value of any Arthritis Exercises is that they can increase blood flow, help control weight, and build stronger muscles and bones. Since stress can be a major factor in arthritis symptoms, possibly the most beneficial aspect of these activities is that they provide stress relief.
