For the 21 million American adults suffering from arthritis, stiff, painful joints can make even an easy exercise program feel impossible.
But, with countless research studies backing up exercise benefits for the elderly, can your loved one really afford to forgo their daily cardio?
The experts don’t think so.
Neil Roth, M.D., an orthopedic and sports medicine specialist at Lenox Hill Hospital in New York, says, “there is nothing better,” than exercise when it comes to managing arthritis pain. Though, he does admit that it can be hard for people who are in pain to stick to an exercise routine. “It is a catch 22, because arthritis pain can prevent a person from exercising, but it is actually one of the most beneficial ways to alleviate arthritis pain,” he says.
Thankfully, there are ways to make an exercise regimen more arthritis-friendly:
- Prioritize pain management: According to Stephen Soloway, M.D., a rheumatologist, the key to a successful exercise program for people with arthritis is making sure their pain is under control before they start working out. This will involve a trip to your loved one’s doctor to diagnose which type of arthritis they have, and prescribe any necessary anti-inflammatory medications or therapies. Once their pain and inflammation are under control, Soloway says a senior should be able to do most types of exercise without aggravating their condition. A doctor can also advise an arthritis sufferer on which kinds of exercises would be good to do, as well as which ones could be harmful.
- Start slow: Warm-up is an often overlooked (yet integral) element of a workout—especially when a senior’s joints are sore and stiff due to their arthritis. Before your loved one hops on a bike or picks up dumb bells, they should do some gentle range-of-motion exercises (generally prescribed by their doctor or physical therapist), such as arm circles, hip lifts, and toe touches. Roth says it might also be beneficial for a senior to put a heat pack on their most painful areas prior to starting a workout. Heat can help relax and loosen up their muscles and joints.
- Reduce your impact: When it comes to exercising with arthritis, low-impact is the way to go, according to Roth. He cites swimming, water aerobics, stationary cycling, and elliptical machines as great low-impact forms of cardiovascular training. Soloway also suggests practicing Tai Chi as a way to help a senior increase their balance and flexibility. Studies have shown that this ancient Chinese martial art can help reduce pain and increase mobility in people with different types of arthritis. It’s generally safe for an arthritis sufferer to lift weights, just be sure to check with your loved one’s doctor before encouraging them to begin a weight training program.
- Mix it up: Switching up an exercise regimen can be extremely beneficial for a senior who is suffering from arthritis, according to Soloway. “Workouts should be varied—not stagnant,” he says. There are numerous benefits to mixing it up in the gym, not the least of which is that your loved one is…
This article was sourced from AgingCare.com.