Hypothesis: Exercise will slow down the process of osteoarthritis and keep your joints functioning for a longer period of time.
Exercise is the best non-drug method to lessen pain and aids in easing motion when one is diagnosed with this disease. There are three methods of exercise which assists people with have osteoarthritis. These exercises have to do with flexibility, aerobic and strengthening exercises. Due to those exercises, you will maintain, if not improve movement. When choosing exercises as a method to slow the effects of osteoarthritis, one needs to consult their family doctor for specific exercises that suits your age and needs and won’t put you at risk.
Range-of-motion/flexibility exercises are types of exercises that will assist in easier motion. In essence the point is to get one to move their joints to the fullest potential which they were designed for. This makes a huge difference to the diagnosed since, with time, they will find it difficult, if not extremely painful to do certain tasks that require a range of movement.
Exercise for range-of-motion include gentle stretching and movements that take joints through their full span. Doing these exercises regularly – ideally every day – can help maintain and even improve the flexibility in your joints.
Aerobic/endurance exercises keep your heart healthy and pumping sufficient blood throughout the body to reduce fatigue which is often the case since tasks become tiresome with ailing joints. Another upside of these exercises is that it assists for a range of diseases, from depression to obesity, therefore it is highly encouraged by any physician. The only thing to avoid is too push yourself too far which will cause more problems than what you started with.
The general recommendation for the public at large is 150 minutes of moderate-intensity aerobic exercise per week, 75 minutes of vigorous-intensity aerobic exercise per week or an equivalent combination of moderate and vigorous exercise.
Strengthening exercises maintain and improve your muscle strength. Strong muscles can support and protect joints that are affected by arthritis.
