Exercise Can Improve Arthritis Pain
Arthritis pain can discourage you from doing one of the most effective things to reduce your symptoms – exercise.
It’s important to remember that staying physically active is key to improving your symptoms.
Studies show that exercise reduces arthritis pain and helps people stay mobile, improving their mood and quality of life.
Physical activity helps several types of arthritis, including:
- osteoarthritis
- rheumatoid arthritis
- fibromyalgia
- lupus
Many people turn to physical therapists for help getting started with an exercise program to improve their arthritis pain. Physical therapy programs can be tailored to address arthritis pain and mobility issues.
One thing to keep in mind is that it’s normal to have some increase in pain, stiffness and swelling when you first start an exercise. However, if these symptoms do not improve with rest, be sure to consult your primary care provider. It can take up to eight weeks for the body’s joints to get used to an increased amount of activity, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.
Here are three smart tips from the CDC to help you stay on track with an exercise program to improve arthritis pain:
Start with low intensity and progress slowly.
If you’re starting a walking routine, try just five minutes of walking, every other day. Before you try to go longer, allow yourself enough time to adjust to the current pace.
Make adjustments as need.
It’s normal for pain and fatigue to feel worse on some days and better on others. Instead of skipping your exercise routine entirely, try modifying it so it doesn’t make your symptoms worse.
Consult a health professional for arthritis pain relief.
Physical therapists are an excellent resource for people who have arthritis pain. Not only can they answer questions about which exercises might be best for you but they can also show you proper form to strengthen key muscles and avoid injuries.
+ Read about the arthritis physical therapy program at Bon Secours Physical Therapy.