When your elderly family member battles arthritis on a daily basis, she might think that exercise is just another form of torture. If she can commit to it, however, exercise can help her to loosen up her joints, relieve pain, and become stronger so that future flare-ups are less painful.
Strength Training Exercises
Any exercises that help your senior to build up her strength are potentially helpful when she's dealing with an arthritis flare-up. The reason for this is that the muscles around your senior's joints can help to support and cushion those joints. When her muscles are strong and able to support her joints well, they can take some of the strain off of the joints. Strength training doesn't have to mean lifting heavy weights. Resistance bands can help just as much as free weights can.
Range-of-motion Exercises
Activities that help your senior to expand her range of motion also help to loosen up her joints by getting synovial fluid moving. They can promote independence for your elderly family member because she may be able to perform activities she hasn't been able to do easily, such as getting dressed on her own. These types of exercises also help to get rid of stiffness and soreness in her joints.
Aerobic Exercises
Aerobic exercises, which are also called cardio exercises, include exercises like swimming, walking, or biking. These exercises may not seem at first to do much for specific joints, but they really can with long-term commitment. Cardio activities help her overall body to become stronger, of course, and they are extremely effective if large joints, such as hips and shoulders, are the ones experiencing pain and stiffness.
Whatever Exercises Her Doctor Recommends
Your senior may have some special considerations to deal with in different ways. In such cases, her doctor may recommend specific exercises or even physical therapy to help her. For example, if she has severe arthritis in her hips and knees, he might recommend water exercises primarily. Talk with her doctor about what would help your elderly family member the most and determine what of those activities and exercises she'll enjoy the most.
There are a variety of different options available for seniors who want to exercise but experience pain. If it's difficult for her to get to a gym or fitness group, consider hiring elderly care providers who can help with transportation and ensuring she gets to her exercise class safely.
If you or an aging loved-one are considering hiring Home Care Services in West Hollywood, CA, please call Mom's Home Care and talk to our friendly, knowledgeable staff. Our number is 323-244-4789.
