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United States
- Glossary
- | Contact Us
- | FAQ
- | Site Index
Exercises
The purpose of stretching and flexibility exercises is to help relieve joint stiffness and increase the ability to move joints in their normal range of motion. Your physical therapist will provide you with specific exercises and instruct you on how often to do them. These exercises can be done at home, in the gym, or in a pool and can help to warm up your body for other exercises that may be more strenuous.
The purpose of these exercises will be to build muscles so that they can better support and protect your joints. Weight and resistance training are just two examples designed to help accomplish these goals. These movements should only be done every other day and your therapist will help you design the best program for you.
These movements are designed to help you control your weight and build up stamina. They include walking, swimming, riding a stationary bike and even water aerobics.
Don’t give up. If you’ve tried exercise in the past, and were unsuccessful, try picking activities which can easily work into your day or find an exercise partner; it always helps to have someone provide encouragement. In addition, check out area hospitals, clinics and health clubs for programs tailored to people with arthritis, since they often offer these special classes.
If you haven’t been active in a while, you may notice some pain after exercise. If pain lasts longer than an hour after you have exercised, you’ve probably overdone it. Call your physician if pain persists more than a few days.