Common Questions About Arthritis

How Should I Begin Exercising?

Question: My doctor says exercise can help block the pain of my osteoarthritis, but I'm in so much pain I don't know how to begin exercising. What can I do to begin, and what exactly does exercise do for my body?

Answer: The key phrase here is graded exercise. Exercise at an exertion level that is comfortable for you. As time goes on, you can increase your exertion level as your stamina improves.

The latest medical research reveals that patients with osteoarthritis not only CAN exercise, but MUST exercise. This doesn't mean you have to become a body building champion or run a marathon. Simply do what you can do. Walk fifteen minutes a day. Take a water exercise class if possible. Do gentle stretching, and try to add some resistance training as well, perhaps with rubber bands.

See the appendix in my book The Pain Cure for basic movement, relaxation, and breathing exercises for arthritis patients.

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