Polyarthritis is a disorder that causes inflammation in many parts of your body, resulting in arthritis in your joints. A regular exercise program can reduce the joint stiffness and pain of polyarthritis, help to build muscle in areas surrounding the joints and increase endurance and flexibility. There are many ways to accomplish these goals using exercises and activities that help increase joint flexibility and range of motion.
Step 1
Consult with your physician about your desire to begin an exercise program to help with your polyarthritis symptoms. He will make sure you are sufficiently medically stable to undergo the program. Your physician may refer you to a physical therapist, who will help determine which forms of exercise you should do and then check to see that you are doing the exercises correctly. Low-impact exercises are usually the program of choice for anyone with polyarthritis.
Step 2
Start with range-of-motion exercises to improve joint function. These types of exercises can be done on a daily basis and involve gentle types of stretching exercises for each joint affected. Doing these will help you to keep your joints mobile and avoid stiffness. A physical therapist can assist you in performing these joint specific exercises.
Step 3
Explore aquatic exercises. These are done in warm water and allow you to do passive exercises that do not put any stress or stain on your muscles and joints. These activities help to increase strength and flexibility and decrease stiffness and pain in your joints, according to the Arthritis Foundation.
Step 4
Discover the Sun style of Tai Chi. This program's goal is to improve your quality of life while living with polyarthritis, with exercises and steps that can improve your breathing, mobility and relaxation using 12 movements---6 advanced and 6 basic ones that cool down and warm up your muscles and joints.
Step 5
Locate your local chapter of the Arthritis Foundation to receive information about their "Walk with Ease" program. This program can assist you in managing your joint pain as well as teach you how to safely exercise using walking as the core activity. This will also help reduce stress, control your weight and help you feel invigorated.
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