“What type of physical therapy activities would be beneficial for arthritis?”
I have knee arthritis. I want to treat it. What type of physical therapy activities would be beneficial for arthritis?
5 Answers
There are several types of arthritis, so therapy can vary depending on the source of arthritis. Any therapy that reduces motion while strengthening is beneficial, and off-loading therapies are the best, including aquatic therapy.
The best types of exercises for arthritis are always low resistance and high reps, you want to keep the joint moving to try to keep them warmed up and lubricated. It is also helpful to use a heating pad to warm up before exercising and then use in ice pack after. Walking is a great, simple, and effective exercise for knee arthritis.
Aquatics physical therapy is the best approach to treating osteoarthritis. Your joints are offloaded in the water. You will be able to make the best gains in strength and range of motion by using the water as a form of resistance. It is also the most gentle on your joints. After formal water therapy, you can then progress to a land-based physical therapy program.
Caitlin E. Innerfield, MD
Caitlin E. Innerfield, MD
Hello,
It depends a little on the severity of your arthritis. But a good rule of thumb is to avoid open chain exercises which will aggravate your knee with increased impact, and stick to closed chain exercises like squats.
Hope that helps!
It depends a little on the severity of your arthritis. But a good rule of thumb is to avoid open chain exercises which will aggravate your knee with increased impact, and stick to closed chain exercises like squats.
Hope that helps!
Generally low impact exercise is recommended for arthritis, such as swimming, walking, and stationary biking.
