Rheumatoid arthritis is a condition that occurs when the lining of the joints becomes inflamed, causing swelling and pain that can result in joint deformity if not kept in check. The condition occurs when the body's immune system begins attacking the tissues in the joints; it can result in incapacitation if not treated properly. According to Spine Universe, "Exercise is the cornerstone of any rheumatoid arthritis physical therapy program." Exercise often focuses on customized stretching exercises to help minimize the loss of range of motion in affected joints.
Neck Stretch
Sit upright in a comfortable chair and tuck your chin in towards your neck as far as possible. Relax your shoulders and turn your head to the right as if you were trying to look at something over your shoulder. Be sure that your head stays upright and doesn't tilt toward one side or the other. Hold this position for a couple of seconds and then turn your head to the left. Hold this position for a couple of seconds and return to the starting position. Now try to touch your right ear to your right shoulder without moving your shoulder. Hold this position for a few seconds and repeat on the left side. Try to perform this exercise 10 times.
Ankle Stretch
Sit in a chair with bare feet. Wiggle your toes and spread them apart as far as you can. Repeat 10 times. Now press your knees together and move your heels slightly apart. Keep your heels on the floor and move your toes and the balls of your feet apart as far as they will go. Wiggle your toes and spread them apart as far as you can while in this position. Now move your heels apart and your toes together and wiggle your toes from this position. Repeat 10 times. This exercise helps stretch and maintain flexibility in your feet and ankles.
Knee Extension
This is designed to help treat patients suffering from rheumatoid arthritis in their knees. Sit upright in a chair or on a stool with your back straight and your knees slightly apart. Tighten the muscles of your stomach and straighten the knee of your right leg while keeping your toes pointing toward the ceiling. Straighten your leg as much as you can and hold this position for 10 seconds. Repeat on your left side. Try to perform 10 repetitions of this exercise with each leg.
Sunrise Stretch
This move stretches the joints of your hands, wrists, arms, neck and upper back. Sit in a chair with your hands in your lap and your wrists crossed over each other. Make a fist with both hands. Now relax your hands and begin bending your wrists back. Straighten your fingers while moving your arms up and outward until they are reaching over your head with your fingers extended as far as possible. Tilt your head back and look up at the ceiling. Reach as high as you can. Hold this position for about 10 seconds and then reverse the motion until you are once again in the starting position. Repeat 10 times.
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