Arthritis is very common. According to NHS Inform around 10 million of the
UK population (including children) have the condition and it causes
inflammation and pain in one or multiple joints.

The two most common types of arthritis are osteoarthritis and rheumatoid
arthritis and in the UK osteoarthritis is the most prevalent, affecting
around 8 million people, while rheumatoid arthritis affects more than
400,000 people.

Strangely, arthritis affects more women than men and it also appears in
people who have a history of it in their family.  

Pain from arthritis can be eased by exercise which can be designed to
combine a blend of aerobic and strengthening workouts, flexibility and range
of motion exercises. With arthritis, it’s best not to  spend too much time
resting. In fact, if you do, it can actually do more harm than good to your
joints and muscles.

Exercise can help
As with anyone who has a medical condition, it is essential that advice is
sought from a medical professional before attempting any strenuous exercise
or physical activity which is new to you. Your doctor will recommend a level
appropriate for your capabilities and will often refer you to a qualified
personal trainer who can identify suitable exercises to match your needs.

The first thing I do with anyone who has arthritis is start slowly and build up intensity as appropriate. And this is where feedback from the client plays an essential part in the programme. When you’re in pain it’s easy to find things to do other than exercise. But it really can pay off.

The sort of activities that I usually advise for people experiencing arthritis tend to be low-impact exercises. These include cycling, walking, swimming and strengthening exercises with slow, gentle movements. One of the main benefits of the right type of exercise is relief from pain in a joint by improving the strength of muscles surrounding the joint. By working on the range of motion exercises the flexibility of the joint can be enhanced which leads to better general movement in everyday activities.

Muscle strengthening work can also help the knee and hip joints cope better when called upon to bear body weight in activity such as walking and climbing stairs etc. In addition, a direct result of a bit of physical exertion is the boost to blood flow to the joints which aids lessening of inflammation.

Of course, the usual advantages of exercise apply as well, for example, the positive impact it can have on our mental well-being by reducing stress and the difference it can make in assisting weight-loss. A better night’s sleep is always more likely after physical activity, especially if the exercise has the desired effect of reducing pain.

I hope I have encouraged anyone with arthritis not to allow it to stop them taking their exercise. To have guidance and a plan of activity specially designed and supervised really could give someone the best chance of managing the condition.

If you would like more information or to discuss how I can help you manage your arthritis, please contact me!

Acknowledgements, reference and research
www.nhsinform.scot/
www.nhs.uk/conditions/arthritis/living-with/
www.versusarthritis.org/
www.arthritis.org