Exercise Relieves Arthritis Symptoms
Arthritis affects millions of Americans. More specifically, the Arthritis Foundation asserts 1.3 million Americans suffer from rheumatoid arthritis and 27 million Americans suffer from osteoarthritis. Rheumatoid and osteoarthritis are both constituted by joint pain. While it may be hard for some people to believe, physical activity can actually naturally decrease the amount of pain felt by arthritis sufferers.
Exercise Good for Arthritis Sufferers
In a relatively recent study, the researchers wanted to determine the effectiveness of the Arthritis Foundation’s Exercise Program on functionality, pain, psychosocial factors, and activity levels. A total of 346 individuals with arthritis, based in 18 different locations took part in the study, with some of them participating in the eight-week exercise program developed by the Arthritis Foundation in 1987.
Ninety percent of the participants in the study were female and 60% were white, with a mean age of 70 years. Age ranged from 32 to 94 years old.
At the end of the eight-week study, the researchers discovered the Arthritis Foundation Exercise Program significantly reduced arthritis pain, increased function in both arms and legs, decreased fatigue, and improved strength. Additionally, according to the study’s findings, individuals who continued to utilize the exercise program on their own after the initial eight-week program was over maintained a state of less stiffness in their joints.
This study indicates the Arthritis Foundation Exercise Program is effective in reducing arthritis symptoms and increasing an individual’s ability to move his or her joints.
Arthritis Foundation Exercise Program
The Arthritis Foundation offers several classes in which individuals with arthritis and fibromyalgia may participate. Classes are available in different fitness levels – mainly beginner and advanced. The Arthritis Foundation also offers classes for all types of ability levels; an individual can participate in exercise while sitting, standing, or lying down.
You can participate in walking, tai chi, aquatics, and mat exercises in the Arthritis Foundation Exercise Program. If you are interested in participating in an arthritis exercise class, call your local gyms and/or senior centers and ask if they have any arthritis exercise classes at that location. Alternatively, look for local exercise classes offered by the Arthritis Foundation on-line.
I have participated in an arthritis water exercise class for my fibromyalgia. My experiences while attending the class were always good ones; the instructor was always helpful and the other women and men in the class were friendly. Perhaps one of the most important aspects of the class is that the exercises in the water did not hurt me at all whereas typical higher impact exercises hurt my body a lot.
Once you locate a class to participate in, you will need to get a note from your physician stating you are able to participate in the class. Bring the note to your first class, and the instructor will put it on file.
The Arthritis Foundation Exercise Program is one natural way in which those suffering from arthritis can reduce pain, stiffness, and fatigue. If you have arthritis and decide to participate in an arthritis exercise class, please feel free to come back here and share your experiences!
Source:
Arthritis Foundation: News Room: Physical Activity is Natural Pain Relief for Arthritis
Arthritis Foundation: Offering Programs
Arthritis Foundation: Home
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