As travel physical therapists know, rheumatoid arthritis can be a debilitating condition that demobilizes patients if the proper steps are not taken. Whether found in the wrists, knees or shoulders, the painful joint problem makes every-day movements troublesome. While the thought of walking on the treadmill might seem intimidating for arthritis patients, exercise is essential. Not only does it boost strength and flexibility, working out helps fight joint pain.
It's important to remind patients who are suffering from arthritis that exercise can improve health without hurting their joints. Of course, when joints are inflamed, they should rest for two to three days. The phrase "no pain, no gain" does not apply here. It's wise to have them listen to their bodies and avoid pushing through arthritis pain.
However, once the flare-up subsides, a lack of exercise may actually worsen the condition by keeping joints stiff. Those on travel physical therapy assignments should encourage patients to strengthen the supporting muscles to relieve joints from stress buildup. While range-of-motion exercises increase flexibility, strengthening workouts build strong muscles that help support and protect your joints, and aerobic or endurance exercise help with overall fitness, building heart health.
Legs
To build leg muscles, try the chair stand. To do this exercise, sit in a normal-height chair, slowly stand up and sit back down. Have your patients focus on controlling the motion, using their arms if needed. Repeat 10 to 15 times. If this is too easy find a lower-height chair, which will force the thighs and hamstrings to exert more strength.
Walking is another exercise that nurtures bone strength and cardiovascular endurance. The American College of Sports Medicine recommends that rheumatoid arthritis patients walk at a moderate-to-hard intensity level – 60 to 85 percent of their maximum heart rate – around three to five days a week. Each session should be up to 30 minutes.
Arms and legs
People who have significant joint pain should head to the nearest swimming pool, as the buoyancy of water relieves pressure on the joints. If this is accessible, travel PT professionals can help conduct water workouts to build strength without injuring muscles or harming joints.
Hand stretches help those with pain in their fingers and hands. To do this, instruct patients to spread their fingers as wide as possible, then make a fist. Repeat the stretching and squeezing motion. You can make this more challenging by incorporating a stress ball or practicing underwater.
Full body
Yoga is a great, gentle exercise for people with rheumatoid arthritis on two levels. First, by incorporating deep relaxation techniques, yoga promotes a healthy immune system and helps curb joint inflammation. Second, gentle stretching helps patients maintain mobility and movement. With that being said, it's best to avoid hot yoga, power yoga and flow (Vinyasa) yoga, as these may increase internal heat and put excessive pressure on joints.
Along the same lines, Pilates works to stabilize joints. The shoulder bridge is a favorite for those dealing with back, shoulder and knee issues. Have the patient start by laying on his or her back, bending the knees while placing the arms at each side of the body. Then, tell them to lift the pelvis and hold the position for around three seconds.