Movement for Life

by Lauren Walker

When my dad started mentioning his wrists were bothering him, we first thought he’d been doing too much sanding with a palm sander. The persistent ache led us to believe it was rheumatoid arthritis. After getting tested, he was diagnosed with osteoarthritis.

Symptoms:

Pain - Affected joints might hurt during or after movement.

Stiffness - Joint stiffness might be most noticeable upon awakening or after being inactive.

Tenderness - Joints might feel tender when you apply light pressure to or near them.

Why exercise is beneficial

Strengthens Supporting Muscles - Stronger muscles and tissues act like braces, supporting and protecting your joints and reducing stress on them.

Reduces Pain and Stiffness - Range-of-motion exercises put joints through their full movement which can help decrease stiffness and improve flexibility.

Boosts Circulation - Exercise increases blood flow, delivering essential nutrients and oxygen to the joints which helps to maintain joint health.

Combats Inflammation - Regular physical activity can help reduce chronic inflammation, a common factor in joint pain and damage.

What is Recommended? 

Strengthening Exercises - Activities which build strong muscles to support and protect your joints, like strength training.

Aerobic Exercises -  Activities like walking, swimming, or cycling increase heart rate and improve endurance and heart health.

Exercise is beneficial because it strengthens the muscles supporting your joints. It reduces pain and stiffness, improves flexibility, and enhances overall mood and health. By strengthening supporting tissues and increasing blood flow to joints, exercise protects further damage. It can prevent the worsening of arthritis symptoms. So, it's good to combine different types of exercises, such as aerobic and strength training.

It is imperative to work with a qualified trainer before engaging in any activity. Depending on the severity of your situation, exercise is like medicine which needs to be prescribed properly.

For more information on our Personal training services call 289-356-2140.