If you have osteoarthritis, you might believe that exercise will worsen your condition. But the truth is, exercise can help you manage your symptoms and improve your quality of life. Multiple studies show that mild to moderate exercise is beneficial to people with osteoarthritis and may in fact be the most effective, non-drug treatment for reducing pain and improving movement. In this blog post, we will explain the benefits of an exercise program and how physiotherapy treatments can help you get started.
Exercise is important for your joints! It strengthens the muscles that support them, reduces stiffness and inflammation, and improves your range of motion. Exercise also helps you maintain a healthy weight, which reduces the pressure on your joints. Last, but certainly not least, exercise can boost your mood and energy levels, which in turn may help you cope with pain and stress.
But not all exercises are suitable for people with osteoarthritis. You need to choose low-impact activities to avoid putting too much stress on your joints. Consider walking, swimming, cycling, or yoga. You also need to start slowly and gradually increase the intensity and duration of your workouts. And you need to listen to your body and stop if you feel any pain or discomfort.
That's where the team at Advanced Physiotherapy comes in. We will assess your condition and design a personalized exercise program that meets your needs and goals. Your physiotherapist will also teach you how to perform the exercises correctly and safely, monitor your progress and adjust your program as needed. If necessary we will also recommend other treatments, such as manual therapy, massage, heat or cold therapy, or electrical stimulation, that may help relieve pain and improve function.
Don't let osteoarthritis stop you from being active! Physical activity can make a significant difference to your health and well-being. And physiotherapy can help you maximize the benefits of your exercise routine. Contact us today to find out how we can help you live better with osteoarthritis.