Arthritis Pain Relief

Learning to live with rheumatoid arthritis, osteoarthritis or any other of the many forms of arthritis is a challenge that will take a lot of time and patience.
Physical Activity and Arthritis Pain Relief Making physical activity a part of your daily life is one of the best things you can do for your health.
When you have arthritis, physical activity is especially important and may help to:

• decrease pain and strengthen muscles
• strengthen bones and help prevent osteoarthritis
• maintain and increase joint movement
• improve posture and balance
• keep your weight in a healthy range and reduce body fat
• relieve muscle tension and decrease stress levels
• enhance body shape and give you a feeling of well being
• improve sleeping patterns
• develop a positive attitude and a healthier lifestyle
• plus many more

Physical Activity - Which Type is Best? It is important to talk to your doctor or other health professional to work out an activity program that is right for you.
Overall people need three types of physical activity to help their arthritis:

• Mobility activities will help you to maintain or increase the range of movement in a joint
• Strengthening activities will help increase your muscle strength and help your joints to bear weight, move objects and become stronger and more stable
• Fitness and aerobic activities to work your heart and lungs, increase your overall body fitness and increase circulation.
  Good choices include swimming, warm water activity, cycling, walking, yoga and walking

Ask your fitness coach or physical therapist to help work out a weekly program that combines some of each activity type.
Being active in warm water can be especially rewarding when you have arthritis because it gives you mobility, strengthening and fitness physical activity in the one session.
Warm water activity is great for arthritic joints because it uses the buoyancy and warmth of the water to help you be active.
There will be a center in your local area that can accommodate this type of activity class.
Tai Chi and yoga classes can be designed specifically for arthritis sufferers.
These special programs can help relieve pain and improve quality of life, and is supported by many arthritis organizations.
To find a Tai Chi program near you visit taichiforarthritis.
com Physical Activity - How Much is Needed? It is important to find the right balance between physical activity and rest for arthritis sufferers especially if you are a beginner to this exercise.
These ideas may help you find that balance:

• If your joints are swollen, they need rest
• If your joints ache only during certain movements, have a rest from those movements
• If your joints are stiff, but not very painful, they may need more physical activity
• If your joints feel weak and unstable, they may need more support and more physical activity