Exercise and Arthritis

Exercise and Arthritis

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FOH Program Contact: Dawn Koch
Phone: 404-562-7950 Ext. 146
Email:DKoch@psc.gov

Federal Occupational Health (FOH) is committed to protecting and preserving the health and well-being of Federal employees. This month, FOH features wellness and fitness services that can be customized to help employees with arthritis meet their fitness needs, as well as maintain joint flexibility and range of motion.


OUTSIDE LINKS
	NATIONAL INSTITUTES OF HEALTH www.niams.nih.gov/hi/topics/arthritis/ arthexfs.htm

	ARTHRITIS FOUNDATION www.arthritis.org/conditions/exercise/ default.asp

Arthritis is one of the most pervasive diseases in the United States and is the leading cause of disability. According to the National Institutes of Health an estimated 43 million people in the United States have arthritis or other rheumatic conditions. In general, people who have arthritis feel pain and stiffness in their joints and, because of this pain, they often tend to limit activity. However, a diagnosis of arthritis does not have to signal an end to enjoyable physical activities.

It was thought for many years that people with arthritis should limit their exercise because it would increase the risk of damage to their joints. This kind of thinking has changed dramatically because recent research has shown that exercise is actually an essential part of a comprehensive disease management plan. And while people with arthritis should first discuss exercise options with their health care providers, it is now widely believed that arthritis sufferers actually benefit greatly from a variety of sensible exercises designed for them. For example, gentle range-of-motion exercises help maintain normal joint movement, and strength training can strengthen muscles that support affected joints.

Properly executed, exercise may reduce joint pain and stiffness, strengthens muscles, helps bone and cartilage stay strong and healthy, and improves the ability to manage everyday activities. In conjunction with medicine, rest, and a prescribed treatment program, regular exercise can help keep joints in working order and vastly improve the quality of one’s life. In order to select from the many types of exercises that will best meet individual needs, the Arthritis Foundation suggests finding a nationally certified fitness professional. Certified fitness professionals are trained to design safe and effective exercise programs with regard to physical limitations and medical conditions.

FOH’s nationally certified staff members are fully qualified to provide fitness assessments and design individualized exercise programs based upon special needs, medical conditions, and specific fitness goals. The individual fitness assessment will determine current fitness status and any areas of concern, such as arthritis. FOH staff will work closely with a client’s physician and physical therapist to assure that their safety and well-being remains a priority. Activities and programs can then be designed that are specific to individual needs, based on both the results of the fitness assessment and feedback from healthcare professionals.

FOH’s fitness center staff is equipped to provide a range of services. FOH’s knowledgeable staff will provide an orientation to fitness center equipment and programs. In addition, FOH also offers regularly scheduled group exercise classes in its Federal Wellness/Fitness Centers, which are located in or near Federal buildings. FOH offers customized programs that are especially helpful to individuals with arthritis. These programs include exercise classes that emphasize stretching and flexibility, low impact aerobics, and strength training. FOH also provides specialty programs such as yoga, Pilates, and martial arts-based classes, which can be particularly helpful to those with arthritis.

LEARN MORE!

FOH Wellness/Fitness Program