Aquatic Exercise For The Treatment Of Knee & Hip Osteoarthritis

Osteoarthritis, the type of arthritis that occurs as a result of past injuries or overuse, plagues the joints that bear the brunt of impact from years of exercise and daily-living activities. That's why your knees and hips are often first to feel the pain of osteoarthritis. While certain physical activities may aggravate your symptoms, you shouldn't let your OA take you out of the game. Instead, rely on low-impact water aerobics and exercise to help you stay active and even reduce your OA pain.

Benefits of Aquatic Exercise

Not only is aquatic exercise considered low impact for less stress on your aching joints, it can be beneficial for your pain level. A study published in a 2007 issue of "The Cochrane Database of Systematic Reviews" found subjects that performed water aerobics decreased their level of knee and hip OA pain by at least one point on the pain scale, and enjoyed restored mobility in their joints. The weightlessness of the water combined with the water's natural resistance makes for an ideal method of exercise for OA sufferers.

Aquatic Methods

You'll find that the water offers a myriad of ways to exercise to help reduce your pain and stay active when living with OA. Water aerobics classes are taught by a certified instructor that will lead you through a series of exercises meant to help strengthen your body and relieve pain. Other classes may include stretching class and ai chi, a version of aquatic tai chi. Even swimming laps can be a beneficial way to use water to treat and prevent knee and hip OA symptoms.

Getting Started

Your community may offer aquatic exercise classes through the parks and recreation department. Contact your local community center and ask about classes specifically for those with arthritis. These will include exercises specifically geared toward people with less mobility and moderate pain. When you arrive to your first class, let the instructor know that you're new and you specifically experience pain in your knees and hips. He may be able to suggest exercises to help strengthen your joints and relieve pain.

Considerations

As with any exercise program, ask your doctor if aquatic exercise is the right choice for you. If your arthritis is so severe that it impedes your movement, you may need to exercise with a flotation device. While aquatic exercise is typically fine and even recommended for arthritis sufferers, your doctor may have suggestions on how to be safe and get the most out of your time in the pool.