October 2013: Question 1
Joint pain and swelling can be a big issue for someone
trying to exercise. How would you council them on the importance of exercise in
general and with arthritis? What are some ways they can exercise without being
in too much pain?
posted by Unknown @ 7:27 PM
17 comments
17 Comments:
Sarah S said...
I would make sure to point out that exercise is correlated with numerous health benefits, like lowering your risk for certain chronic diseases, and also increasing energy levels. I would also point out that exercise can help relieve joint pain in arthritis. I would then encourage them to try exercises that are not as taxing on joints, like walking, swimming, and biking. I would encourage them to try different things and find what works best for them.
I will agree with Sarah that an individual with joint pain and swelling will likely benefit from exercises that are not weight baring and easier on the joints. I would work with them and try to figure out exercises they can do that will not be painful for them. I would also inform them that post menopausal women are at risk for developing osteoporosis so doing some form of weight baring activities will help in preventing this.
I would explain that exercise is not only good for your physical health, but also important for your mental health. I would stress the importance of getting some training with the equipment or a trainer. Technique is crucial in preventing injuries. Water aerobics would be perfect for some with joint issues.
I would encourage my clients to consider how the symptoms associated with arthritis have hindered every day activities and then challenge them to create a few realistic exercise goals and note if they have any change of symptoms as they begin to exercise more. The personal goals that they set up will direct my dialogue regarding of the importance of exercise in general. For example, if my client decided that she wanted to increase her range of motion by starting yoga, then I'd share with her the benefits associated with yoga including stress reduction, enhanced mood and sense-of-wellbeing; increased flexibility, balance, range of motion, and strength; and decreased risk of chronic diseases.
I would note the physiological benefits of exercise for the general population. As far as arthritis, I would look at the patients symptoms and then make suggestions based on that. For example, if the arthritis is mainly affecting their hands, I wouldn't suggest they try and play tennis or lift weights because that would be fairly difficult for them and may exacerbate more problems. I would instead suggest a water aerobics class or something of that nature. In fact, water aerobics would be a great recommendation for most people with arthritis because of the low impact it has on joints.
I think it is very important to advise a patient with physical limitations to see a doctor and be cleared for physical activity first. They may also refer to a physical therapist. After being cleared, I would point out the physiological benefits of exercise for the body. Non weight baring exercise for the parts of the body that suffer from joint pain and swelling. I would address the possibility of swimming and other water exercises which would be easier on the pt's joints.
I agree with Carly about getting help from a trainer and the importance of technique and also the importance of physical activity on mental health as well as its physical/health benefits.
Sarah S said...
I also agree that it would be beneficial for the pt to see a trainer, as long as the pt could afford it. The trainer would really be able to explain how different exercises could benefit them and make suggestions that would be most appropriate for them.
I would council the client that exercise is important to maintain health and helps lower the risk of developing other diseases such as cardiovascular disease, diabetes, and obesity. As for arthritis pain, I would inform them that staying active, and developing bone strength could help prevent some pain and worsening of joints as the disease progresses.
I would ask the client what types of activities they like to do, and encourage those activities. I would suggest that swimming or water type fitness classes can be a great way to stay fit without straining joints. I would also let them know that weight baring activity helps to strengthen bones/tendons/joints.
I agree that it is important for a person of older age and limited mobility to be cleared by a doctor and see a personal trainer. I also like the idea of having the client log activities and rate their pain to visualize the effect of exercise on pain.
I would tell them that the body is like a well-oiled machine: if it is used often, it will mechanically perform well (a body in motion stays in motion). If it isn't used for a while, it will start to get creaky & rusty and will be difficult to use. Any kind of impact they are able to do is great for their bone health, but if it is painful for them to exercise, then low-impact activity such as swimming, water aerobics, biking, walking or resistance bands might be the way to go.
I would tell them that the body is like a well-oiled machine: if it is used often, it will mechanically perform well (a body in motion stays in motion). If it isn't used for a while, it will start to get creaky & rusty and will be difficult to use. Any kind of impact they are able to do is great for their bone health, but if it is painful for them to exercise, then low-impact activity such as swimming, water aerobics, biking, walking or resistance bands might be the way to go.
Alyssa brings up a very good point that many have pointed out, it is important to be cleared for physical activity before started any exercise regimen.
Courtney brings up another good point that it is important to consider what activities the client enjoys and then modifiying them for their physical limitations.
I like Aria's phrase and I feel like people could remember that and relate to it. I like Lynetta's comment on having them set goals for themselves. Goal setting is very important and really gets people thinking.
Lynetta, great idea to focus on the psychological aspect of arthritis, which can be just as if not more important than the physical aspect. Yoga is a wonderful exercise for range of motion. I was recently inspired by a youtube video of a disabled veteran who was able to lose weight, get off his crutches & even start running after taking yoga for a year with a trainer. I have found that journaling is such a helpful activity for clients who might be having emotional difficulties related to food, so having them track how they feel after exercise might be very beneficial.
I agree with Kaitlin. The buoyancy of water provides a perfect medium for people with stiff joints and fragile bones to increase their range of motion and get stronger as compared to the sometimes damaging effects of exercising on land.
I would explain that exercise would help them in many ways. It could help relieve their pain, but also make them feel better mentally. I think having them doing water exercises would be a great place to start. You are able to work the muscles without too much weight and stress being put on them. For the most benefit they should see a physical therapist to get specialized workouts that are best for their ailment.
I think Alyssa made a good point that it is important that they go see a doctor first. Being cleared for activity is important to not injure themselves further.
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