June 2023 (updated January 2024)
Learning to Dance with the Queensland Ballet helps participants, such as Colleen Reid, manage their arthritis.
Exercise is a powerful tool that offers numerous benefits for overall health and wellbeing. When it comes to arthritis, regular physical activity, including dancing, can have a positive impact on managing the condition.
Watch the ABC news story below on how Dance for Arthritis (formerly Dances Moves) has helped Colleen Reid live well with her arthritis.
Engaging in regular exercise is highly beneficial for people with arthritis. Contrary to popular belief, exercise does not worsen arthritis
symptoms. In fact, it can help reduce pain, improve joint flexibility and strength, boost mood, enhance overall fitness, and maintain a
healthy weight.
Exercise also promotes better sleep, increases energy levels, and reduces the risk of developing other chronic health conditions.
Visit the following links to find available Dance
for Arthritis or
Arthritis Moves
classes.
Health Benefits of Exercise for Arthritis:
#1 Pain Relief: Regular exercise, including dancing, helps alleviate joint pain
associated with arthritis. Physical activity stimulates the release of endorphins, which are natural pain-relieving chemicals in the body.
Exercise also strengthens the muscles around the joints, providing better support and reducing strain.
#2 Improved Joint Function: Exercise enhances joint flexibility and range of motion.
Dancing, in particular, involves rhythmic movements that promote joint mobility, reducing stiffness and increasing joint functionality.
Increased flexibility allows for easier daily activities and a better quality of life.
#3 Weight Management: Maintaining a healthy weight is crucial for managing arthritis
symptoms. Exercise, including dancing, helps burn calories and control weight, reducing the pressure and stress on the joints. Losing even a
small amount of weight can significantly help with joint pain and improve mobility.
#4 Stronger Muscles and Bones: Regular exercise, such as dancing, strengthens the muscles surrounding the joints. Stronger muscles provide better joint support, reducing the risk of injury and further damage. Exercise also helps improve bone density, which is essential for preventing osteoporosis, a common concern for arthritis sufferers.
#5 Cardiovascular Health: Dancing and other forms of aerobic exercise improve
cardiovascular fitness. Engaging in activities that raise your heart rate, such as dancing, promotes a healthy heart, enhances blood
circulation, and increases stamina. Improved cardiovascular health contributes to overall well-being and reduces the risk of cardiovascular
diseases.
#6 Mental and Emotional Well-being: Exercise has positive effects on mental health, reducing anxiety, stress, and depression. Dancing, in particular, can be a fun and social activity, promoting social interaction and improving mood. The combination of physical activity, music, and social engagement can provide a boost to mental and emotional well-being, helping individuals with arthritis cope with the challenges of their condition.
Always talk to your doctor and/or health professional before starting an exercise program. A physiotherapist or exercise physiologist
can suggest safe exercises and make sure you are doing your exercises correctly.
You can make a difference by supporting the work of Arthritis Queensland. Arthritis Queensland is 95% community funded. We rely on our generous donors and volunteers to ensure that we can continue to provide solutions and support to adults and children living with the pain of arthritis.