This is a wonderful article with sound advice. I was pleased to have it confirmed that I was doing things right. After surgery and therapy for osteoarthritis in my shoulder, along with many complications during the surgery, I found a stretch and tone class that featured all the exercises I had been given in therapy for the shoulder replacement as well as a knee replacement and it has made all the difference. Years ago I had also had back surgery, after suffering a shattered vertebra in a fall from a horse. Three fused vertebra and two stainless steel rods in my back. At that time I wasn't given any therapy. Nearly 30 yrs ago. But since starting the exercise program three days a week, for the last 6 months, I am so pleased to report, there has been an amazing improvement in what I can do. Even getting up and down off the floor after not being able to for years! I also have nearly a full range of motion with my shoulder. My surgeon was surprised at my range of motion. He had warned me, I probably wouldn't come all the way back with range of motion, but at least the shoulder pain would be gone. Well with Gods help and a lot of work I have come back and life is good!
I really liked that this article made no reference/assumptions on age. I was diagnosed with arthritis when I was 16 and getting active in the last few years has really made a huge difference with my pain management. So many people assume that arthritis is a condition only older adults can have so I appreciate the author refraining from that.
Sound advice for me, especially because I am elderly. I have always wondered about what inflamed joints feel like. How can you tell (since we do not have x-ray vision) that it is inflammation that is going on? I have wondered about this so long I hope someone who can answer this will message me. I feel sore and stiff for a few days after an exercise session; wonder if that is inflammation or totally something else.
Loved this,because I have arthritis and neuropathy. I don't just get stiff I go numb. This has kept me from walking and exercising for years, but I have started walking I do feel allot better,
Thank you for the article and the comments. No one battles this alone. We can do it though usin these wonderful tips and using caring doctors when needed.
Arthritis is an unpleasant way of life for me, with several orthopedic and neurologic surgeries under my belt to remedy things. I am going to a warm pool for physical therapy and am about to take it on on my own. I know of nothing that lets me move and exercise more freely than being in the water. If that is available, I would recommend it hands down to anyone dealing with artritis pain. There are ways to include and add resistance to your movement and do strength and endurance building that make this the most productive exercise time I spend.
When I started SP 5 months ago, my knee was weak from surgery six years earlier and my hips hurt from arthritis. I tried to walk and to ride the recumbent bike, but after 15 minutes I just couldn't take it. But I'm a stubborn old Irish woman and I just persisted and today I can walk for 45 minutes and ride the bike for 40 minutes, both on the same day. I feel I am a prime example of what an older woman can accomplish if she just keeps at it.. Thanks goes to SP (and my husband) for their motivation.
RSWEEPER
9/25/2008 2:40:00 PM
Great article with some tips I can use at the office before Ole Art starts attacking.
HI I'M DOTTIESJEWELS, BACK IN 1999 AFTER A SEVERE FALL AND WITH ALL THIS ARTHRITIS OF ALL KINDS, I JOINED A LINE DANCE CLASS WHILE HUNCHED OVER MY CANE. I WAS ONLY 48 YEARS OLD WALKING LIKE I WAS 80 YEARS OLD. THE PEOPLE THOUGHT I WAS JOKING BUT I WAS SERIOUS.
I STARTED DANCING WITH THE CANE, THAN I WENT BROADVILLE (HOLDING THE CANE IN MY HAND USING WHEN NEEDED). NOW I PUT THE CANE DOWN TO DANCE. 8 YEARS LATER AND HUNDRED OF LINE DANCES LATER AND 100 POUNDS THINNER I STILL USE THE CANE BECAUSE OF THE STILL MOMENTS THAT MAKES ME STIFF AND HARD TO MOVE ABOUT. SOMETIMES I GO TO CLASS 5 TIMES A WEEK.
BUT I RECOMMEND TO EVERYONE TO START DANCING OR LINE DANCING IT IS GOOD FOR YOU.
HI I'M DOTTIESJEWELS, BACK IN 1999 AFTER A SEVERE FALL AND WITH ALL THIS ARTHRITIS OF ALL KINDS, I JOINED A LINE DANCE CLASS WHILE HUNCHED OVER MY CANE. I WAS ONLY 48 YEARS OLD WALKING LIKE I WAS 80 YEARS OLD. THE PEOPLE THOUGHT I WAS JOKING BUT I WAS SERIOUS.
I STARTED DANCING WITH THE CANE, THAN I WENT BROADVILLE (HOLDING THE CANE IN MY HAND USING WHEN NEEDED). NOW I PUT THE CANE DOWN TO DANCE. 8 YEARS LATER AND HUNDRED OF LINE DANCES LATER AND 100 POUNDS THINNER I STILL USE THE CANE BECAUSE OF THE STILL MOMENTS THAT MAKES ME STIFF AND HARD TO MOVE ABOUT. SOMETIMES I GO TO CLASS 5 TIMES A WEEK.
BUT I RECOMMEND TO EVERYONE TO START DANCING OR LINE DANCING IT IS GOOD FOR YOU.
DOTTIE
TRAINEEGODDESS
1/8/2008 9:40:29 PM
This is a fantastic article and it has helped me to ease into exercise again, after experiencing weight gain and pressure on my hips and knees. way to go thanks
TRAINEEGODDESS
1/8/2008 9:39:56 PM
This is a fantastic article and it has helped me to ease into exercise again, after experiencing weight gain and pressure on my hips and knees. way to go thanks
