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Health & Fitness

Living A Healthier Lifestyle with Arthritis

Exercising in the water can help to control the affects of arthritis and plays a vital role in leading an active and healthier lifestyle

Arthritis affects one in six people and approximately 8.4 million young adults. In a general the term arthritis means joint inflammation and refers to more than 100 rheumatic diseases. These are conditions that affect the joints, muscles, tendons, and bursae in the body. 

The warning signs of arthritis include: recurring pain, tenderness or warmth in one or more joints, early morning stiffness, unexplained weight loss, fever, and weakness combined with joint pain.

Exercise helps maintain healthy bones, joints and muscle by helping to increase range of motion through flexibility exercise and gentle exercises to increase muscle strength. Stronger muscles help support the joints. Exercise also facilitates increased circulation and this aids in the healing process during acute inflammation.

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A popular way for arthritis sufferers to exercise is in the water. The warmth and the buoyancy of water make it a safe environment for exercise. It helps relieve joint stiffness and pain as well as it increases circulation to help promote healing. Water supports the joints making exercise less stressful and this encourages people to exercise. The increased density of the water as compared to air also supports the body and facilitates movement.

Exercise helps break the pain cycle, decreases stress and feelings of depression, decreases complaints of fatigue and helps increase flexibility strength and overall function. Exercise is an important component in helping to control the affects of arthritis plays a vital role in leading an active and healthier lifestyle.

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At both our facilities, which are located inside Club Fit, we treat our patients with a safe and effective stretching and gentle exercise program in a therapeutic pool. For more information on this topic please feel free to comment on this blog or contact us at www.ptrehab.com.

Reference:

Improve Your Life: An Arthritis Foundation Program in the Life Improvement Series, www.arthritis.org

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