Exercise for Arthritis

Research has found that regular exercise is one of the most effective treatments for arthritis.

Generally people with arthritis need to do a mix of three types of activities to help improve their condition – mobility exercises, strengthening exercises and fitness exercises.

Physical activity helps broadly by:

decreasing joint pain
reducing joint stiffness
improving mobility and flexibility of the joints
strengthening muscles to provide greater support and stability for joints
strengthening bones and reducing the risk of osteoporosis
decreasing muscle tension
improving overall health, fitness and well being

Before you start to exercise it is important to talk with your doctor and healthcare team to help you develop a program that will suit your condition, physical health and lifestyle.

Not all forms of exercise are good for arthritis. Call our free Helpline on 1800 011 041 and speak with one of our healthcare professionals about what type of exercise will be of most benefit for you or download one of our exercise information sheets.

Published Date: March 20, 2008
Printed from http://www.arthritis.org.au/page/Arthritis/Exercise_for_Arthritis/
© Arthritis Queensland

Contact Arthritis Queensland: T: +61 (07) 3857 4200 F: (07) 3857 4099 E: info@arthritis.org.au