Exercises To Help Osteoarthritis Sufferers

Osteoarthritis pain is something that might need your special attention to avoid any unnecessary discomfort.

Though the thought of exercises for osteoarthritis patients might look paradoxical as it hurts to move but exercises definitely prove to be beneficial in the long run.

Exercise helps patients ailing from osteoarthritis in many ways than one. It is also known that physical activity helps to strengthen the muscles and decrease stiffness.

Listed here are some exercises that you can perform as part of your daily routine and reduce the ill effects of this bug.

1. Water Exercise

Water exercise is also referred as aquatic exercise which is said to involve less stress on the joints as compared to land exercise.

Since the buoyancy of water is known to support body weight it allows patients ailing from osteoarthritis to build and strengthen muscles.

When suffering from osteoarthritis of knee or hip, water exercises are the most beneficial. For instance water walking is easier on joints.

You can try walking in shallow waters in a pool or deep with a floatation belt. You can tone your muscles by walking backwards or frontwards or even sideways.

However you should always consult your doctor prior to beginning water exercises. Only if your doctor gives you a green signal work together with a therapist initially.

2. Yoga

Osteoarthritis also known as degenerative arthritis not only affects a person physically but mentally also. Yoga can help such patients deal with it effectively.

Relaxing the mind and body, yoga postures help you build strength and improve your circulation of synovial fluid present in joints.

Yoga posture like downward dog at the wall or leg stretch with a yoga belt or a mountain pose with hands clasped help in maintaining well aligned body postures around back, hamstring muscles, pelvic alignment and shoulders, arms and hands respectively.

3. Tai Chai

A traditional Chinese martial art can help patients ailing from osteoarthritis by treating pain associated with this disease.

It helps in stretching the muscles and proper breathing. Tai Chai focuses on rhythmic movements that help relax the joints and build flexibility.

Gentle movements of Tai Chai exercises is a safe way to relieve pain and gain balance. It is also known to provide balance of body and mind. Remember to confer with your doctor before giving Tai Chai a try.

Conclusion

Osteoarthritis patients can focus on some simple and gentle exercises to experience relief from pain over time. The type of symptoms and severity of pain should be the critical factors in choosing the right type exercise form for such patients.

Such exercises create a positive impact around lifestyle and emotional wellbeing of a person experiencing osteoarthritis pain. Always remember to consult your physician before entering a regular exercise regime.

These exercises with continued effort can prove to be an alternative your regular medication including inflammatory drugs or pain killers.