Osteoarthritis is a common joint disorder characterized by disintegration of cartilage between your bones, which causes your bones to rub together. Osteoarthritis symptoms include muscle weakness around affected joints and joint pain caused or aggravated by exertion. Physicians prescribe treatment plans to improve joint strength and movement, and to decrease joint pain, reports MedlinePlus. Treatment plans often include aquatic exercise.
Aquatic Exercise Types
Osteoarthritis patients may notice that aquatic exercises resemble familiar land-based movements but utilize the water's cushioned resistance. Water aerobics workouts mimic cross-country skiing, slow jogging or walking. Stretching exercises include alternating knee-to-chest raises. You'll strengthen muscles by utilizing foam barbells to perform bicep curls and side arm raises. Ai chi, an aquatics version of tai chi, encourages gentle, slow movements and controlled breathing.
Exercise Environment
Aquatic exercise is frequently performed in warm-water pools. Although there is no recognized water temperature guideline, the Arthritis Foundation reports that temperatures between 83 degrees Fahrenheit and 88 degrees Fahrenheit present a comfortable exercise environment. If your movements are slow and gentle, you may be able to tolerate slightly warmer water.
Benefits
Aquatic exercises provide general benefits for arthritis patients, and specific ones for osteoarthritis sufferers. Many arthritic aquatic exercisers enjoy enhanced joint use without symptom exacerbation. Post-menopausal women maintain or improve general bone health through water-based exercise. Osteoarthritis patients also experience a decrease in pain after aquatic exercises.
Sources
While aquatic exercise regimens are not tailored to osteoarthritis patients, the Arthritis Foundation has developed a warm-water aquatics program to serve all arthritic exercisers. A trained professional conducts the classes, which include exercises to promote flexibility and strength, while reducing stress on muscles and joints. Specialized deep-water classes have also been developed. Locations with pool facilities throughout the United States offer aquatics classes.
Warning
Osteoarthritis patients with certain other health conditions are advised not to participate in warm-water aquatic exercise programs. Spine-Health stresses that warm-water exposure often increases participants' blood circulation. This phenomenon can be hazardous to patients suffering from severe heart failure, infection, incontinence or fever. Consult your physician before you consider aquatic exercise in cooler water.
References
- MedlinePlus: Osteoarthritis
- Spine-Health: Pool Therapy to Relieve Osteoarthritis Pain
- MayoClinic.com: Arthritis --- What's the Best Pool Temperature for Water Exercise?
- U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention: Health Benefits of Water-based Exercise
- Arthritis Foundation: Aquatic Program
- Spine-Health: Water Exercise Therapy Limitations and Considerations
