OsteoProFlex.com

Millions of Americans suffer arthritis or chronic joint pain.  Left untreated their arthritis pain could lead to functional loss and disability.  However, there are cost-effective ways to manage arthritis pain. One of the best is exercise.

How you design your arthritis pain relief exercise program depends on where and how badly you hurt, your physical limitations and your doctors input. Before starting an arthritis exercise program you should consult your doctor. He can help you learn which exercises will be best for you.  A good doctor or physical therapist can design an exercise program to fit your individual needs.

Studies demonstrate that people suffering from chronic joint pain are helped by exercise. Arthritis relief exercise appears to reduce joint pain and inflammation while increasing flexibility, strength and stamina. In addition, exercise aids with weight loss. This is important for arthritis pain relief because your joints are damaged more when they have to carry more weight.

While arthritis exercise is important, it’s just a part of a complete arthritis pain relief plan. You should also take into account rest and relaxation, proper nutrition, medications and supplements, correct joint mechanics and any supports you might choose to use.

Three types of exercises are appropriate for an arthritis exercise program.  Flexibility exercises are deisgned to increase the range of motion of your joints. Strength training, like weight lifting, will keep or increase your muscle mass and strength adding to the support tissues surrounding your joints. Aerobic exercises improve cardiovascular fitness, control weight, and improve overall function.

You can limit the intitial pain of starting an exercise program. Here are a few tips. Apply heat to sore joints before you begin exercise to increase circulation and warm your joints.  Stretch carefully and warm up thoroughly with flexibility exercises. Start slowly, especially with strength training. The last thing you want to do is injure yourself.

You should plan your exercises according to a schedule. Flexibility exercises should be done daily or every other day. Strength training every other day or three times a week always being careful not to injure yourself. Stamina exercises should be done for 20 to 30 minutes three times a week. If your joints start hurting then stop exercising.

Arthritis exercise programs are an inportant part of any complete arthritis pain relief program. Using these techniques will reduce your pain while giving you greater flexibility and mobility.