Exercise for Rheumatoid Arthritis
Most doctors recommend exercise for patients with arthritis and rheumatoid arthritis. Many people begin an exercise program with easy, range-of-motion exercises and low-impact aerobics. Sports are not off-limits, either, but ask your doctor which are best for you.
The doctor may have suggestions about how to get started or may refer you to a physical therapist, preferably one who has experience working with people who have arthritis. The therapist will design an appropriate home exercise program and teach you about pain relief methods, proper body mechanics (placement of the body for a given task, such as lifting a heavy box), joint protection, and conserving energy.
Most experts agree that if exercise causes pain that lasts for more than one hour, it is too strenuous. People with arthritis should work with their physical therapist or doctor to adjust their exercise program when they notice any of the following signs of strenuous exercise:
Exercise for Rheumatoid Arthritis
In this article
- Should I Exercise With Rheumatoid Arthritis?
- How Do I Get Started on an Exercise Program?
- How Much Exercise Is Too Much?
Should I Exercise With Rheumatoid Arthritis?
Most doctors recommend exercise for patients with arthritis and rheumatoid arthritis. Many people begin an exercise program with easy, range-of-motion exercises and low-impact aerobics. Sports are not off-limits, either, but ask your doctor which are best for you.
The doctor may have suggestions about how to get started or may refer you to a physical therapist, preferably one who has experience working with people who have arthritis. The therapist will design an appropriate home exercise program and teach you about pain relief methods, proper body mechanics (placement of the body for a given task, such as lifting a heavy box), joint protection, and conserving energy.
How Do I Get Started on an Exercise Program?
- Discuss exercise plans with your doctor.
- Start with supervision from a physical therapist or qualified athletic trainer.
- Apply heat to sore joints before starting to exercise. This is optional, but some people with arthritis find that it helps.
- Stretch and warm up with range-of-motion exercises.
- Start strengthening exercises slowly with small weights (a 1- or 2-pound weight can make a big difference).
- Progress slowly.
- Use cold packs after exercising. This is optional, but some people with arthritis find that it helps.
- Add aerobic exercise.
- Consider appropriate recreational exercise (after doing range-of-motion, strengthening, and aerobic exercise). You will protect your joints from injuries if you start with range-of-motion, strengthening, and aerobic exercise that gets your body in the best condition possible.
- Ease off if joints become painful, inflamed, or red, and work with your doctor to find the cause and eliminate it.
- Choose the exercise program you enjoy most and make it a habit.
How Much Exercise Is Too Much?
Most experts agree that if exercise causes pain that lasts for more than one hour, it is too strenuous. People with arthritis should work with their physical therapist or doctor to adjust their exercise program when they notice any of the following signs of strenuous exercise:
- Unusual or persistent fatigue
- Increased weakness
- Decreased range of motion
- Increased joint swelling
- Continuing pain
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