Exercises for Osteoarthritis
Osteoarthritis is the result of bone surfaces touching as the cartilage wears away. Daily exercise can improve an osteoarthritis patient's quality of life by enhancing flexibility, strengthening muscles and improving outlook.
Types
Exercising is an effective and enjoyable way for sufferers of osteoarthritis to feel better and to regain a functional lifestyle. Among the many exercise options are swimming, balance training, low-impact aerobics and strength and flexibility conditioning. Before beginning, it is very important to check with your doctor, who will recommend the best exercises depending upon your condition's grade level.
Effects
Exercise in water, like swimming or water aerobics, relieves weight on stiff or sore joints. The ability to move freely in water can also be a liberating experience, improving your psychological outlook.
Walking or using a stationary bike or elliptical trainer helps promote weight loss. The less weight you carry, the less stress there is to your joints.
Weight training builds strong muscles that act as stabilizers around effected joints.
Adding static and active stretching to your exercise program can increase your joint range of motion and improve flexibility. The American Council on Exercise recommends putting your joints through a full range of motion at least once a day to maintain mobility.
Balance training is vital to maintain exercise safety and should be included as part of your exercise regime. Because balance exercises sometimes place stress on knees, your doctor might suggest that you perform these exercises in a whirlpool or swimming pool.
Theory
In a study by the National Institutes of Health published in "Seminars in Arthritis and Rheumatism," April 2008, researchers suggested that exercise not only improves the physical well-being of arthritis patients but is also a catalyst in improving mood and outlook.
By being proactive with exercise, an osteoarthritis patient may feel that he is not passively allowing the disease to overtake his life.
Exercise also releases endorphins, the body's natural feel-good hormones that attach to receptors in the brain and create a feeling of well-being.
Considerations
Before beginning an exercise program, it is important to first check with your doctor. Your doctor will make recommendations based upon the degree of degeneration in your joints, as well as any other health conditions you may have. Working with a personal trainer is another option when planning a fitness regime. Many personal trainers specialize in working with special needs clients and have been specifically trained to understand your symptoms and best address your needs.
Warnings
The expression "no pain, no gain" is as untrue as it is outdated; this is particularly true for you as an osteoarthritis patient. As your exercise program progresses, you may be tempted to push yourself past your threshold of pain; don't do it. Likewise, while it's normal to feel a little sore after a good workout, do not force yourself to continue if you feel that your level of discomfort is unreasonable. Everything may be just fine, but when in doubt, consult your doctor.
Misconceptions
Osteoarthritis patients often worry that exercise will worsen their condition, but according to a study published in the "Journal of Rheumotology" in 1998, osteoarthritis patients who participated in weight-bearing exercises experienced less pain than patients who did not exercise.
Conclusion
Exercise is a great life enhancer. For a sufferer of osteoarthritis, becoming more active can mean the chance to live functionally again. After checking with your doctor, enjoy the opportunity to let exercise make a difference to your life.
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