| Some who suffer from arthritis are hesitant to | | | | standing in shoulder-high water, only 10% of your |
| engage in physical activity because they are afraid | | | | total body weight is acting upon your joints. You |
| it may cause harm to their bodies. Ironically, some | | | | will also experience an enhanced range of motion, |
| of the pain these people are experiencing is due | | | | and in turn, you can strengthen a wider range of |
| to the complications of inactivity, rather than the | | | | muscles due to the resistant nature of water. The |
| arthritis itself. Research shows that many people | | | | pressure of the water helps to decrease swelling |
| with arthritis are quite capable of engaging in | | | | and increase circulation, not unlike wearing a |
| physical activity. It is important that these people | | | | support hose. Also, the soothing sensation of |
| maintain physical health and fitness, as it leads to | | | | warm water helps to relieve stress, and may |
| greater flexibility, strength, and an overall sense of | | | | allow you to do things you could not normally do |
| well-being. | | | | on land. |
| However, if you have arthritis, certain exercises | | | | If you are one of the many sufferers of arthritis |
| can be difficult and even harmful due to the | | | | who is hesitant to engage in physical activity for |
| stress they place on the joints throughout your | | | | fear of doing physical harm to your body, aquatic |
| body. These exercises are usually high-impact and | | | | therapy may be the solution to your problem. |
| should be avoided. Exercises such as jogging and | | | | Ask around, or visit your local community facilities |
| weight-lifting tend to exert pressure, or impact, | | | | and see if they have any classes, hydrotherapy |
| on the body in ways that could be harmful. | | | | pools, or swim spas designed to help people |
| Luckily, there are other "low-impact" exercises | | | | engage in low-impact aerobic exercise. Many |
| that provide excellent health benefits without | | | | facilities will offer a range of water-exercise |
| inflicting any physical damage. | | | | programs. Be sure to look for a qualified instructor |
| One option is aquatic therapy, which is gaining | | | | who is knowledge about arthritis. If you find a |
| popularity amongst sufferers due to its ability to | | | | suitable location, you will find that aquatic therapy |
| provide a great workout with less stress to | | | | is a relaxing and enjoyable way to relieve the pain |
| fragile joints. The buoyancy effect of water | | | | and stress associated with arthritis. Not to |
| drastically reduces the amount of body weight | | | | mention it is a great way to socialize and exercise |
| that is acting upon your joints. In fact, if you are | | | | at the same time! |