Exercises for Joint Pain

Some exercises that are reccommended for joint pain are

• Range of Motion Exercises
• Strength Exercises
• Hydrotherapy

What are Range of Motion Exercises?

Range of motion exercises help maintain normal joint function by keeping normal joint flexibility and range. Keeping a joint in a bent position may temporarily help to relieve the discomfort of osteoarthritis  but holding it in that position can cause long term loss of joint mobility and hinder daily activities. Range of motion exercises are basically bending or stretching the joint to a point that is comfortable to go to. Comfort must be maintained. Range of motion are also a great form of warm up for other forms of exercise.

Why do Strength Exercises? 

Some people with arthritis really avoid doing any strength exercises as they fell its going to cause them great pain. However these have some really important benefits for arthritis sufferers. A strong joint is going to be a more stable one. Strong muscles surrounding a joint can act as protection, easing the load placed on the damage cartilage, helping to stop further damage. There are a few ways you can train these muscles. Isometric exercises are done without moving the joint. Basically you are contracting the muscles. these are good as introduction exercises for people who have significant pain and have deteriorated in strength. The other form is the one that springs to most people mind when they think of strength exercises. These are more effective in strengthening muscles, however can cause a little more pain if the arthritis is advanced. Exercises for the quadriceps are important for people with arthritis of the knee, this is the main muscle that will help stabilize and strengthen the joint.

What about Hydrotherapy? 

Hydrotherapy is basically doing exercises in water. this is a great way to do simple range of motion exercises. It is very low resistance, no stress on the joint, and you can safely move your joint through its range of motion relatively pain free. There are many exercises that can be performed in the pool. From range of motion to resistance training. Doing resistance exercises in water takes a lot of the load off and is a safer and less painful way to introduce your jonts to strength training!