Written by Dean Towers – Exercise Physiologist
Arthritis is a term that collectively refers to a group of around 100 rheumatic diseases that primarily affect the joints of the body. It burdens 1 in 6 Australians and is the leading cause of chronic pain.
There is no cure but we do know how to manage it and break the cycle of pain and decreasing function.
Typically sedentary time increases due to symptoms of pain and stiffness, this increase in sedentary time results in increased muscle wasting, decreasing strength, and increasing stiffness. While being sedentary in the short term can provide temporary relief, over time it will increase the severity of arthritis and continue to negatively impact your function.
To get out of this cycle of deconditioning and pain, it’s time to make movement your medicine. When you move your joints it strengthens the supporting muscles and helps your blood deliver nutrients and take away waste materials from the fluid and cartilage in your joints. With regular movement and strength training you can normalise and improve function and get on top of your pain.
Speak to your Exercise Physiologist about how to break the cycle of deconditioning and pain with our progressive strength, aerobic, and balance circuits.
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Australian Institute of Health and Welfare 2016. Australian Burden of Disease Study: Impact and causes of illness and death in