If you have been diagnosed with or think you have arthritis, it is time to exercise. Many folks hear arthritis and think exercise is bad or will cause pain. Yes, there is the potential for pain with exercise, BUT if done properly it should not hurt. In fact, exercise has been shown to be highly beneficial for people with arthritis. It can even reduce aches and pains.

How can exercise be helpful if it might hurt?

First off, it is important to work within the bounds of a person’s tolerance with exercise to start. A person can feel some joint aches or pains but they should not last. Next, addressing the component issues related to why a person with arthritis experiences joint pain is necessary. There is a reason a joint hurts, and if addressed improvement can and will be made.

Understand not all people with arthritis experience pain. By working to improve strength, flexibility, range of motion, and balance, many can reduce pain and improve their function. The process may not be fancy, but the result can and will be enormous.

Ok, so I should exercise, what exercise should I do?

Great question. This will need to be tailored to exactly what joint(s) is/are causing you issues. Sure, you can look up exercises for issue A or B, but will they really be best for you?  This is where people find themselves in trouble or causing greater pain. To that end, enlisted the services of a qualified health professional is recommended.

Who is best? The best person to help someone with arthritis get back to exercise or begin an exercise program is a physical therapist. This professional is the muscle and joint and movement expert. They will assess your concerns and develop a program to suit your needs. Some pain is permitted along the process to success.

Not sure where to begin?

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