A patient with arthritis will experience difficulty in movement. The condition of the joints and muscles makes it very painful for them to move. Despite the pain that movement can ensue, though, studies have shown that regular exercise can improve the condition of those people who suffer from it.
There are a number of very low impact exercises that one can follow to manage arthritis pain. By engaging in regular exercise you establish balance and stability and successfully reduce the stiffness of the joints and muscles as well. If your body is relaxed, pain becomes negligible and the quality of your sleep will be improved, making you feel so much better.
1. Yoga
I. The word yoga is derived from the sankrit word “yoke” that means to unite the mind body and spirit. It is a discipline that originated more than three thousand years ago and it involves a discipline of physical movements complete with a holistic lifestyle change.
II. Hatha yoga is the physical component of yoga and it focuses on a series of poses that are meant to improve stamina, balance, flexibility, and strength.
III. It involves chanting and meditation that is useful in reducing anxiety, pain, and stress of patients with arthritis. It also improves mental clarity and improves the quality of sleep.
2. Pool exercises
I. Water exercises are very good for the joints. Water buoyancy can support your body’s weight so you can exercise without putting strain on your injured joints.
II. Start in the shallow area of the pool so you will not put yourself in danger.
3. Qigong
I. Qi (chee) means life force; Gong (gung) means accomplishment.
II. It is an ancient Chinese discipline that involves the use of physical postures, meditation, and breathing techniques.
III. The exercises are known to reduce stress, increase vitality, enhance the immune system, and build stamina.
IV. It also has good benefits for the cardiovascular, circulatory, respiratory, digestive, and lymphatic systems, giving a person a very balanced life.
4. Callanetics
I. It was developed in the 1980s.
II. It utilizes sweet piano playing, very methodical instructions and a series of stretching in between routines.
III. It is a very unique discipline that involves the stimulation of your muscles in very small waves of impulses. The discipline is ruled by the thought that every movement is precise and that every pulse moves inch by inch.
5. Pilates
I. This discipline will vary depending on the needs of the individual.
II. A patient with arthritis will need an exercise called “close chain exercises” where in much care is done while exercising so as not to put strain on the muscles while working them.
6. Tai Qi
I. With regular exercise, it can reduce pain, depression, and fatigue.
II. It involves physical and mental exercises to be able to channel the problem with much depth.
III. It involves stretching and strengthening movements, cardiovascular movements as well as mental exercises, deep breathing, and spiritual visualization.
IV. It can modified to be done while sitting down or standing up
7. Walking
1. This is the easiest and most practical of all exercises. It can be done on your own time and at your own pace.
2. Make sure to be on your walking shoes so that your feet are well supported.
3. Make use of a pedometer if you can so you can tell how far you have already walked.
All the exercises mentioned above will improve the quality of life you have but know that it will not cure you of the disease. However, if you make a habit of them, you can very well go on with your life without the threat of arthritis.
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