Exercise As Treatment of Rheumatoid Arthritis

Stretching, low impact aerobics, yoga, and strength training can play a part in the treatment of rheumatoid arthritis. Regular exercise can help joint mobility and strengthen the muscles surrounding the joints, further protecting them. Exercising regularly can relieve some of the pain associated with rheumatoid arthritis and increase the ability to cope with this chronic disease.

Stretching is an important part of any exercise routine, it makes the joints ready for further effort and improves flexibility, circulation, and muscle co-ordination. Stretching can lengthen and strengthen the muscles giving the bones and joints they surround better support and greater protection. Some stretches can target specific joints which are affected by arthritis and may help to ease stiffness and pain.

Rheumatoid arthritis sufferers can benefit from low impact aerobic exercises, such as walking and swimming. Gentle cardiovascular workouts can improve circulation as well as add to the mobility of joints. Swimming, in particular, is useful for arthritis sufferers as joints are under less stress in water and it provides an all-round workout.

Yoga combines stretching with gentle strength training by using your own body weight. Yoga aids in joint mobility, posture, physical alignment, and balance as well as strengthening muscles and improving overall flexibility. Because of yoga's meditative aspect it can also be a psychological aid to arthritis sufferers, helping reduce any frustration, anxiety and stress which those coping with chronic pain may feel.

Those suffering from rheumatoid arthritis may have become inactive due to pain and physically weaker due to lost muscle mass. Strength or resistance training can help rebuild the muscles which provide support and protection to aching joints. By building muscle, sufferers may reduce pain and become strong and able to perform physical tasks once more.

Regular low impact exercises can assist in the treatment of rheumatoid arthritis. Regular exercise can increase mobility, flexibility, strength and co-ordination as well as improve well-being. Any exercise program should be developed in consultation with a medical practitioner.