How To Swim With Arthritis In The Shoulder

Your shoulder is comprised or two joints that can be affected by arthritis. The acromioclavicular joint -- or AC joint -- is the bone where your collar bone and shoulder bone meet. The glenohumeral joint is the joint formed by your upper arm bone and shoulder blade. Post-traumatic, osteoarthritis and rheumatoid arthritis can all affect the shoulder joint. MayoClinic.com indicates that exercise is important in helping to increase strength and flexibility as well as reduce joint pain associated with arthritis. Swimming -- a low-impact exercise -- is ideal for patients with shoulder arthritis. The buoyancy of water allows you to perform exercises that may be too painful on land.

Step 1

Participate in regular swimming. The National Academy of Sports Medicine -- NASM -- recommends 30 minutes of cardiovascular activity per day five days per week for healthy adults under the age of 65. Adults over the age of 65 should contact their physician for exercise guidelines.

Step 2

Go for a walk in the shallow end. Walking in the water is beneficial for your overall health -- including weight maintenance and prevention of diseases such as heart disease, stroke and diabetes.

Step 3

Participate in a water aerobics class. Locate a gym in your area that offers water aerobics. Classes also may be offered at local high schools -- during the summer -- and senior centers.

Step 4

Use water weights. Perform biceps and triceps curls and extensions using water weights. Sit or kneel in water that comes just over your shoulders to complete these exercises. Complete one set of 10 repetitions of each exercise.

Step 5

Perform range of motion exercises in water that comes just above your shoulders. Complete shoulder shrugs, arm circles and neck circles in the water. Complete one set of 20 repetitions of each exercise.

Step 6

Go for a swim. Swim laps by performing the butterfly stroke. This stroke will keep your shoulders predominantly in the water. If swimming laps causes you shoulder pain, try just swimming with your legs or holding on to a kickboard as you swim.