Important Arthritis Joint Protection Tips You Should Never Forget During Exercise
Did you know there are over 100 different types of arthritis? Most people notice something isn’t right when their joints feel stiff and head to the doctor. Being diagnosed with arthritis doesn’t mean you can’t do anything about it though. In fact, one of the best things you can do is keep moving to preserve your joint health and mobility.
Exercise is essential when you have arthritis because it helps build the muscles around your joints, maintains your bone strength, and gives you more energy for your day. With the help of a physical therapist or a personal trainer depending on how severe your symptoms are, you can keep active and prevent arthritis from stopping you.
In most cases, performing range-of-motion exercises, strengthening exercises, and some kind of aerobic exercise is ideal. But whatever you do, you should always follow these tips when you’re exercising with arthritis to keep your joints protected.
– Stay low-impact
If you’re just getting back into an exercise regimen now, it’s important to start with low-impact exercises. Stationary bicycles, elliptical trainers, or even a water aerobics class help keep the stress on your joints low as you move so you can get in some exercise without wincing in pain.
– Use heat
Heat relaxes your joints and muscles which will quell any pains you may have before you start your exercise. Use warm towels, hot packs, or even take a shower with warm water. Applying any of these methods for 20 minutes prior to exercise will loosen you up and make for a more comfortable workout.
– Keep your movements gentle
Don’t just dive right into your workout. You should gently move to warm up your body. Starting with range-of-motion exercises for about 10 minutes is a good way to prepare your body for strengthening exercises or your aerobic activity.
– Take it slow
Every motion you perform should be slow and easy. If it hurts, stop and rest. Any pain that feels stronger than what you usually experience is an indicator something isn’t right. If you notice swelling or redness in your joints, make sure you take a break. This is why having one of our trained professionals come help you with your arthritis workout is a good idea because they’ll be able to ensure you’re going at the right pace to avoid injury.
– Ice it down afterward
Ice is soothing for inflammation which is why it will feel blissful on your joints. Apply it for no more than 20 minutes if you need it after your exercise, especially if any of your joints are swelling.
It takes time to build a good exercise routine with arthritis. Let us help you with that and get you back to feeling mobile and agile once again!
