How much exercise is appropriate for the arthritis patient?

Exercise is an important element in managing arthritis; however each person must determine what is appropriate for her, ideally in consultation with a physiotherapist. There are four different types of exercise that help arthritis: aerobic activities such as walking, swimming, cycling, or gentle aerobic classes; range of motion (ROM) or stretching exercises; strengthening exercises; and relaxation exercises. Walking is almost always recommended, and swimming is also beneficial. Depending on the location of your joint involvement, you may want to avoid high impact weight-bearing exercises such as jogging. Gentle range of motion exercises should be a part of everyone’s daily routine. Choosing an exercise program should be based on your general level of fitness and the number of affected joints, not on the form of arthritis that you have. Everyone must choose a program that suits his or her own lifestyle to assure adherence to that program. Exercise during your ‘peak energy’ time. This ...  more