If you are one of the 46 million people who live with arthritis and want to reduce pain and improve your quality of life, this article is for you. What do Osteoarthritis, Gout, Rheumatoid arthritis and fibromyalgia have in common? They all trigger joint pain limiting your ability to stoop, bend, kneel, climb stairs, and walk.
Most of my patients who live with arthritis, including an 86 year lady, Betsy, said she didn't exercise because of the pain. She came to me in a wheelchair and could barely move her arms or legs because of tenderness in her joints. After 8 weeks of consistent functional exercise, she could stand up, walk and decorate the Christmas tree with her grandchildren. But don't think arthritis only affects the elderly. Arthritis affects all ages, Kathy who is in her early 30's has rheumatoid arthritis. Eight years ago, Kathy, a single parent came to me in a lot of pain and reported that her doctor told her she will be in a wheelchair within 5 years. Kathy diligently practiced her functional exercises and today she is a happily married 39 year old able bodied person with a successful business. If you're willing to spend just 30 minutes a day on functional exercise, you won't have to live with stiffness and pain.
Do you feel you get enough exercise with daily chores? We all have them, but cooking, cleaning and other activities of daily living don't take your body through the full range of motion your body needs to be functional. Functional movements are crucial to help keep your joints fully mobile, reduce pain and stiffness and help prevent joint deformities. For successful therapeutic arthritis intervention you need to practice two important types of exercise: joint integrity for flexibility and functional strength techniques for arthritis. Strong muscles help support your joints, helping you move freely without pain. To get the most out of your exercise plan, make sure you perform exercises safely.
Arthritis Tips for Safe Exercise.
1. If you wake up stiff, have a warm shower to warm up your muscles
2. Set up an exercise schedule and stick to it!
3. Arthritis pain can be persistent. Be more persistent and consistent with your functional exercise program.
4. Practice strength training 3 days a week, every other day. For example on a Monday, Wednesday or Friday and the flexibility on Tuesday, Thursday, Saturday and Sunday.
5. Slowly build up your tolerance to a level that your body is comfortable with. Listen to your body. Muscles that you haven't used will feel uncomfortable at first. It's just their way of getting reacquainted with you. However, if discomfort lasts more than 4 hours after exercise, do fewer repetitions until your tolerance increases. You will get stronger and the pain will decrease as your muscles build up strength. Functional Fitness will only deprive you of pain, stiffness and fatigue.
These individuals who seek natural medicines for arthritis relief are often surprised at the number or choices available for their pain treatment.
Instead of consuming prescription or over the counter medication that may cause interactions with other medications, these great natural options allow individuals of all ages to deal with their pain and other symptoms in a healthier manner.
Remember, before taking any sort of natural medicine for arthritis relief, consult your primary health care provider to ensure this medication will not interact with your current health status or any other medications you are consuming.
For individuals with arthritis pain, the answers are not quite as clear.
You may need to do a great deal of research into a natural alternative that may successfully relieve pain and control other symptoms for your specific condition.
Ask your primary health care provider to recommend any treatment processes he or she thinks may work for you.
Seek individuals in your community that may participate in natural measures such as acupuncture for their own relief.
If you have a whole health or natural health clinic in your neighborhood, this is an excellent starting point.
Using natural medicines for arthritis relief still involves using medicines or treatments that should be taken seriously.
Some examples of popular of alternative natural treatments for arthritis include supplements, therapy, or other holistic forms of medicine.
Many individuals turn to vitamin and mineral supplements for answers to their problems.
These treatments can range from supplements of vitamins B, C, E and K to treatments like glucosamine sulfate or gelatin. Instead of consuming a natural treatment, consider enrolling in a therapy program.
One popular program is acupuncture , which has gained popularity in the past years with individuals of all ages seeking solutions to all medical issues.
Furthermore, adopting a healthy diet and exercise regimen is an excellent way to tackle arthritis pain.
Consider joining a gym that offers aquatic aerobics programs.
Water offers no resistance and is a perfect way to condition muscles, rebuild strength, and restore joint movement.
Both Suzanne Andrews & Mike Herman are contributors for EditorialToday. The above articles have been edited for relevancy and timeliness. All write-ups, reviews, tips and guides published by EditorialToday.com and its partners or affiliates are for informational purposes only. They should not be used for any legal or any other type of advice. We do not endorse any author, contributor, writer or article posted by our team.
Suzanne Andrews has sinced written about articles on various topics from Arthritis Signs, Yoga Practice and reductil diet. Suzanne Andrews, PBS TV Functional Fitness host helps transform lives with Functional Fitness Doctor recommended DVD's: The ONLY medically engineered programs that offer you seated and standing version of real life fitness for real life challenges. Order. Suzanne Andrews's top article generates over 74000 views. to your Favourites.
Mike Herman has sinced written about articles on various topics from Mental Health, Arthritis Signs and Sleep Disorders. Discover treatment options and see how you DON'T have to give up and just 'live with pain and discomfort'