Arthritis Exercises - Helpful in Arthritis Pain Relief | Herbal Remedies Supplements, Natural Cures & Home Remedies

Arthritis Exercises - Helpful in Arthritis Pain Relief

01.04.2008 by Dr John Anne in Health Care

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Arthritis occurs when cartilage, the protective covering on the ends of bones, is damaged. Its major function is to absorb and release synovial fluid, which cushions the impact so bones don’t bear the brunt of movement. Cartilage does not receive direct blood flow, so it depends on movement to circulate fluids. As a matter of fact, cartilage will atrophy and degenerate unless used regularly.

Typical exercise does not address the needs of joints and many times makes things worse. Excessive loading of the joints (for example, pounding on a treadmill) damages cartilage and that can lead to osteoarthritis. Also, most arthritis exercises focuses on arms and legs and does not include the spine or hands.

There are many joints in the body to nourish, over 100 in the spine and more than 20 in each hand. Look around you at the gym. Do you see smooth movement in the spine and hands? I suspect that most people are creating stiffness instead.

The Arthritis Foundation has created several exercise programs designed specifically to increase mobility without undue strain. The Aquatics Program includes gentle exercises in warm water that are designed to increase flexibility and strength. Tai Chi from the Arthritis Foundation(R) includes 12 movements, six basic and six advanced, which improve agility and relaxation.

Another option is therapeutic yoga, which gently brings movement to the body in a low-pressure, high-awareness environment. Most people think of ultra-flexible, touch your toes to the back of your head moves as yoga. However, yoga has expanded to encompass a broad range of abilities. Therapeutic yoga can be done in a class setting with extra attention from the instructor or in private sessions where the teacher creates a program specifically for your body.

Undulation can be used as a specific exercise, especially for those whose activity is limited by pain, or incorporated into every day activities, which is good for everyone. Undulations are small and mild and focus on one simple movement at a time. Believe it or not, you can lubricate your spine simply by swaying back in forth as you sit as long as you move within your pain-free range.

This is a part of our Arthritis Treatment section available at AyurvedicCure.com. For more solutions and remedies visit Arthritis Pain Relief Guide. If you have any questions or remedies, please post them here as comments. Our visitors want to know what you feel and what you have been doing for this concern. Also don’t forget to bookmark this post!