Bothered by arthritis slowing you down? Wish your body felt 5 or even 10 years younger? Understand just because you have arthritis does not mean your body has to hurt. There are steps you can take to move and feel better EVEN IF you have arthritis.

For starters, arthritis is another term for normal aging of the joints. For some, this process moves more quickly but DOES NOT mean someone has to suffer in pain. Data suggests most individuals over 40-45 years show evidence of arthritis on imaging…yet most will not suffer in pain…why? There are many factors involved, some that can be modified and others not. Let’s go over some of the most important ones that are non-genetic related that can be modified.

• Strength: a person who has greater muscle mass or strength is less likely to deal with aches or pains. Thus, it is important to push, pull, and lift weight to maintain the body’s capacity for activity.
• Flexibility/mobility: a joint that cannot go through full range is more likely to complain. This is because greater pressure will develop over a smaller area vs getting spread out throughout the full range. So if a joint is stiff, time to move it more.
• Endurance capacity: a lower conditioned muscle system will fatigue faster and often lead to greater symptoms due to being strained performing even basic daily activities. Time to integrate some form of cardiovascular training.

What’s the point?

That addressing the above 3 elements, strength, flexibility/mobility, and endurance capacity can and will improve a person’s overall function…and reduce the impact of arthritis. If you are done having arthritis slowing you down, it is time to act.

Your first call should be to a physical therapist, the expert in the muscle and joint system. This professional will perform an examination that will determine a good course of action to address any/all modifiable elements to improve your body’s function. Not sure where to begin? Click the Following LINK to connect with an expert today.