Moving with Arthritis

Key to dealing with Arthritis – KEEP MOVING!

Exercise is an essential part of a treatment plan for
individuals with any type of arthritis

Even one session of mild activity, such as walking,

can decrease stiffness and pain immediately

Regular physical activity, including Classic signs Tips:

aerobic, resistance, flexibility and and symptoms
neuromotor training will: of arthritis – joint If sitting for prolonged
stiffness and pain periods of time, get
Reduce pain (often up and move regularly
decrease need for pain or at least move the
medication) stiff joints (eg – knees
– walk or bend and
Improve fitness (all straighten a few times)
aspects, such as
If you have been
aerobic fitness,
inactive, you can start
or strength), and
with walking and light
importantly,
resistance activity (leg
function
strength helps develop
Improve support around the
balance knee and hip)

Old adage is
true – “Move it or lose
Improve
it” – stopping activity
sense of
leads to loss of joint
well-being
range of motion, and
increased pain and
Improve stiffness – so let’s
sleep KEEP MOVING

Decrease
stiffness

Author: A. Lynn Millar, PT, Ph.D., FACSM; 2020