Physical Activity Is Essential for Managing Rheumatoid Arthritis

Swimming and other exercise may be intimidating when you live with RA pain, but moving is key well-being.
Swimming and other exercise may be intimidating when you live with RA pain, but moving is key well-being.
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KONTAK PERKASA FUTURES - “Keep moving” they say. “Regular exercise is essential” they say. But surely that recommendation is not aimed at people with rheumatoid arthritis (RA).
Actually, it is.

KONTAK PERKASA FUTURES - Does it surprise you that experts recommend movement for people who live with chronic arthritis pain? Seems counterintuitive, right? Let’s explore the recommendations, as well as why this is not as far-fetched as it seems.

Spoiler alert: There are true benefits associated with regular physical activity and exercise, even for people with RA. For clarity, physical activity is defined as bodily movement produced by skeletal muscles requiring an expenditure of energy. Exercise is included in “physical activity.”

Sorting Out Misconceptions About Exercising With Rheumatoid Arthritis

It is understandable why people living with chronic pain may associate movement with increased pain. This is especially true of people with moderate to severe pain. In fact, regular physical activity and exercise does not make your arthritis worse. Exercise can:
  • Reduce joint pain
  • Increase strength of muscles which surround your joints
  • Help to maintain bone strength
  • Improve flexibility
  • Improve your energy level
  • Improve your quality of sleep
  • Help control your weight
  • Improve your balance
  • Improve your mood
  • Lower risk of cardiovascular disease
  • Improve or maintain physical function
  • Improve overall well-being
Source : everydayhealth.com