Staying Healthy When You Have Arthritis

Exercising can be an effective way to improve symptoms of arthritis, but it’s crucial to employ exercises that build strength gradually without overworking the joint. When done correctly, exercise may be able to help people with arthritis reduce their pain and improve the function of affected joints. A physical therapist can be an essential resource in getting started, and will work with you to develop an individualized treatment plan that gets you on the path to feeling your best.

Understanding Arthritis

Understanding arthritis starts with understanding that there is no one-size-fits-all solution for it. In fact, according to the Arthritis Foundation, there are over 100 different types of arthritis. The most common type of arthritis is osteoarthritis, which affects joints such as the knees, hips, and spine. Some other common types include autoimmune inflammatory arthritis, infectious arthritis, and gout. The first step to treating your arthritis is to get a diagnosis from a professional, who can advise you on how best to proceed with a treatment plan. 

Exercising With Arthritis

If you have arthritis, exercising safely is one way to stay healthy and keep your symptoms under control. In addition to improving arthritis symptoms, exercise can also help you maintain a healthy weight, sleep better, and have more energy throughout the day. However, before you get started, it’s important to come up with a plan and know what to avoid. A professional such as a physical therapist can work with you to find exercises that work best for your condition, but there are still some guidelines that you can keep in mind when exercising at home.

The Mayo Clinic recommends that you start slow and avoid high-impact exercises. Start with a short warm-up to get your joints moving and take breaks if you are feeling pain or discomfort. You can also use a heating pad to relax your joints before you get started. A few exercises that you might consider include: 

• Walking
• Biking 
• Swimming
• Yoga
• Lifting weights

Seeing a Physical Therapist

If you have any doubts about how to proceed with exercise, talk to an expert. The Arthritis Foundation recommends working with a physical therapist to work on a range of motion-related problems, no matter where you are starting from. When you meet with one of our physical therapists at Motus Integrative Health, we’ll work with you one-on-one to better understand your condition and how it can be improved. 

Scheduling an Appointment at Motus Integrative Health

Staying in shape with arthritis can be difficult, but there are exercises that you can do to stay healthy and manage your symptoms. If you have questions, you may find it helpful to see a physical therapist to develop an exercise plan that works for your condition. When done correctly, exercise can relieve pain, improve joint mobility, and improve your quality of life. To learn more about how physical therapy can help you stay healthy with arthritis, contact us today or schedule a free consultation.