Arthritis commonly comes with sore, stiff joints as you begin the day, or even after a relaxing session. The good news is that stretching can be one of the most effective and low-impact methods to ease your pain. This guide will describe The Importance of stretching for Arthritis Relief and how you can build good, safe habits that you can maintain.
Why Stretching Helps in Arthritis
It is not an arthritis cure, but it benefits overall joint health in many ways:
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Enhances flexibility and range of motion.
Arthritis can lead to restriction of movements as time goes by. Stretching can maintain the length and elasticity of muscles and also the surrounding soft tissues. Regular stretching is practiced to keep things moving. -
Lessens stiffness and tension.
Muscles surrounding the stiff joints restrain themselves in reaction to the stiffness of the joints. Light stretching will ease the tension and make the joint more relaxed. -
Reduces the pain.
Research about osteoarthritis has indicated that the use of stretching exercises would lead to considerable alleviation of pain in the joints that are affected by osteoarthritis. -
Assists in maximizing exercise benefits.
Stretching may be an effective addition to strengthening, functional, and aerobic exercise. In the case of arthritis, exercises that involve the aspect of flexibility can be used to reduce stress in the joints and promote the well-being of cartilage.
What Kinds of Stretching Work Best
Static (Passive) Stretching
These are known as the "classic" holds: you stretch until you feel some tension and hold for between 15 and 30 minutes (or longer if you feel comfortable). This can be done either after an exercise or after the completion of an exercise. In the case of joints with arthritis, static stretching is more beneficial if the event that muscles are already at a comfortable temperature.
Dynamic Stretching & Gentle Movement
Prior to full activity, gentle, dynamic movements can help warm up tissues as well as prepare joints for moving. "Dynamic warm-ups" reduce the possibility of straining muscles that are cold.
Mind-Body Stretches & PNF Methods
Advanced or therapeutic methods are promising. Like;
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proprioceptive neural facilitation
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PNF stretching
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stretching paired with mindfulness movement
Mind-body stretches and PNF are efficient in reducing arthritis in the knee.
Check out our collection of Arthritis tools here!
How to Stretch Safely with Arthritis
Here's how to create a secure, efficient stretching routine for arthritis when it's an issue:
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Always warm up first.
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Stretch gently, never force it.
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Hold gradually.
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Breathe and relax.
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Be consistent.
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Target problem joints/tissues.
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Consult a physical or occupational therapist.
Read more: Thumb Arthritis Test
The Bottom Line
Stretching is a deceivingly effective tool for managing arthritis. It's not a substitute for medications or therapies; however, it is an easy way to maintain mobility, reduce stiffness, and aid in better joint functioning. If you make the Importance of stretching for Arthritis Relief a regular part of your daily routine and you allow your body more space to move, become less stiff, and live a better life. Here at Arthritis Aid, we encourage you to begin slowly and listen to your body, and develop a routine of stretching to help you on your journey!
