People with painful chronic ailments may be afraid to be active, but the truth is rheumatoid arthritis and exercise should go hand in hand if you want to relieve pain and stiffness naturally.  However, a study conducted at Sunnybrooi Health Science Center of the University of Toronto indicated that just by doing brief daily walks and stretching, RA symptoms improve.  Additionally, walking is one of the best remedies for stress and mood improvement.

Joseph J. Biundo Jr., M.D., professor of medicine and chief of physical medicine and rehabilitation at Louisiana State University Medical Center, recommends  doing low impact activities such as swimming, cycling, and walking, as well as working out with light weights and stretching during remissions.  However, during flare ups he advises to relax and rest your painful areas with a splint, since working out during rheumatoid arthritis symptoms can stress your joints.

 

Doctors and medical researchers conclude that  gentle aerobic exercise does not promote or aggravate RA symptoms as long as you do it when you are not in pain.  Researches from North Carolina Charlotte Rehabilitation Hospital instructed 20 RA patients how to do a Tai Chi routine and conducted two one-hour sessions per week for 10 weeks.  None of the patients experienced any flare ups.  Tai Chi entails very slow and gentle movements.

 

You should consult your doctor to find out what type of exercise may be appropriate for you.  You may want to join a medically managed class, so you can get emotional support and safe exercises.  You can also ask your physician for a referral and/or contact the Arthritis Foundation.

 

Filed under: Arthritis Information

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