The Right Exercises For Joint Pain Relief

There are certain exercises that arthritis sufferers may benefit from. Some exercises may be detrimental to this goal, so avoid jumping into an exercise routine that may do more harm than good. The point of exercise should be to provide joint pain relief and improve range of motion, not cause debilitating pain. A doctor, physical therapist or other health care provider should be consulted when designing an exercise program to make sure you're safe from harm. Arthritis brings with it a need to proceed with caution, but a need to exercise, nevertheless.

Exercise in itself is something we all need to do. Arthritis sufferers generally have enough on their plate just getting through the day-to-day pain they live with. Contrary to what may seem logical, exercise can actually help to relieve pain and increase mobility.

There are a few types of exercises that are popular in routines designed for those with arthritis. Some of these incorporate exercises geared toward aerobic fitness, increasing strength, and working on range of motion. Each if these functions work together to give an overall boost in health and joint pain relief. Aerobic exercise only requires a 20 to 30 minute commitment, most days of the week. If you are also working to improve your BMI and lose some weight, aerobic exercise is a good choice. A decrease in weight, if there is an excess, can go a long way in joint pain relief as pressure on joints like the knees and hips is decreased with each and every pound lost. Aerobic exercise can also increase heart health. Walking, swimming and even bike riding are some good exercise choices that will not be too harsh for arthritis sufferers. Try to keep your choice as low impact as possible while still getting your heart pumping.

Exercises like yoga and tai chi are great examples of arthritis-friendly exercises if they're done at least every other day. These can help sufferers to decrease their joint stiffness because they work on their normal ranges of motion. As people begin to do these types of exercise their joint pain and stiffness will decrease over time. Through continued sessions people can increase their range of movement. Strength training is another great option that's not just for potential Mr. or Miss Universe contestants.

Strength training helps to build muscle, which helps to increase the amount of protection your muscles provide for your joints. This doesn't mean that you need to work out until you look like you're running for a weightlifting title. Just by working your muscles every other day can give you positive results. If, however, your joints become more painful or if any swelling is noted, you should take an extra day off. One hour of exercise a day can bring arthritis sufferers a better quality of life. There are a multitude of exercise options available these days; if one type doesn't hold your interest, try something different. It can be fun and more rewarding to shake things up over time anyway. Hopefully, with daily exercise, joint pain relief can be yours.