Exercising With Osteoarthritis

 “I’ve got osteoarthritis… why on earth would I exercise when my joints are so sore?!”

This is a very valid, very common question among clients that are noticing pain in their joints as they age. Thankfully there is a simple answer: because it’s the best thing for you!

Osteoarthritis (OA) is the medical term for a chronic, progressive condition involving the body’s hampered ability to repair joint tissues that are injured through overloading, trauma, or obesity (Public Health Agency of Canada, 2020). This often causes variable degrees of stiffness and pain with movement of the affected joints and tends to result in a more sedentary lifestyle in hopes of avoiding pain. OA is the most common form of arthritis and is a significant cause of disability worldwide.

While this may sound a bit doom and gloom, it is important to keep in mind that an OA diagnosis does not and should not mean that you give up exercise! In fact, evidence in favour of exercising to help manage symptoms of OA is piling up. According the Arthritis Foundation, “exercise is considered the most effective, non-drug treatment for reducing pain and improving movement in patients with osteoarthritis” (2022).

Some ideas and their respective benefits as outlined by the Arthritis Foundation are outlined below.

Flexibility Exercises:  

Take part in a yoga class to engage your muscles and move your joints through their full range

Strengthening Exercises:                   

Join a fitness class or speak to us about creating a strengthening program to build muscle mass- this will help to support and protect joints affected by OA

Aerobic/Endurance Exercise:             

Engage in exercises such as jogging, cycling, or swimming to make the heart and lungs work more efficiently, control your weight, and increase your energy levels

The best bit? Any and all exercise is helpful, so do something you enjoy!