Arthritis Exercise Regimens May Provide Some Pain Relief
 When you suffer from arthritis, exercise may be the last thing you think will help your aching joints. In fact, for many years, arthritis sufferers believed that exercising would further damage their joints instead of improve their condition. Today, though, research shows that the opposite is true.
Studies have found that performing a moderate arthritis exercise routine can help reduce joint pain and stiffness, reduce inflammation, increase endurance and flexibility, and build strong muscles around your joints.
The following exercises may be included in an arthritis exercise program for arthritis sufferers:
- Weight lifting - this is especially helpful for those with rheumatoid arthritis, since it helps to reduce soreness, pain, and stiffness. A study in Great Britain found that strength training programs, such as progressive resistance training, help rheumatoid patients improve physical function. Progressive resistance training involves periodically increasing the amount of weight used during exercise to boost muscle strength.
- Water walking - this type of arthritis exercise is especially helpful for patients who feel a great deal of pain from their condition. When you're in water, your body's buoyancy decreases stress on the spine, hips, and knees when you exercise. And, since water provides 12 times the resistance of air, it enhance your ability to build strength and increase range of motion.
- Tai Chi - this exercise helps to improve the quality of life for arthritis patients with slow, measured movements that are thought to help increase mobility and relaxation.
In addition to reducing painful arthritis symptoms, research shows that exercise promotes overall health, increases energy, improves sleep quality, decreases depression, and of course, helps control weight - all things that benefit arthritis sufferers.
Consult your physician before starting any new arthritis exercise program so they can tailor one to meet your specific needs.
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