Comments on: Should Rheumatoid Arthritis Patients Exercise?

By: Kelly Young

Kelly Young — Wed, 28 Dec 2011 20:09:33 +0000

Exercise was always a big part of my life too until the day RA went full blown so I know how wonderful it must make you feel.

Yes I agree, “finding a balance that works for you” is the answer and individual differences and disease pattern is the key. Maybe you are more aware of this because of your career. This is where many seem to miss it. Disease pattern is the reason that many can no longer chop onions or hike or bike – no matter how much they want to – and yet others can tolerate traditional exercise and enjoy the tradtional benefits of it. For some reason, many tend to assume that their particular disease pattern applies to others. If they only have certain joints affected, they assume others can’t have every joint affected or if they have flares with breaks in between, they assume everyone has flares…

By: Sheryl Appleby

Sheryl Appleby — Wed, 28 Dec 2011 16:52:57 +0000

The exercise debate is definitely an interesting one. Joint protection is very important, as is resting during a major flare.
I am a retired physical therapist and have treated folks with RA over the years. Yes, I encouraged gentle range of motion exercises and mild endurance exercises as well as teaching joint protection and the use of heat, ice, massage, and rest.
I always suspected that I might have RA and finally, in 2004, was officially diagnosed. I have taken Methotrexate and anti inflammatory drugs in various doses over the years. Something always hurts no matter what I take, unless it is steroids which provide a breath of fresh air but not without a price (side affects that is).
In 2008, I was shocked with the diagnosis of lung adenocarcinoma and am stage IV NED.
For me, personally, exercise has always been a part of my life. With the above diagnoses, about the only thing that keeps my emotional roller coaster from going out of control is to keep up an exercise regime. It makes me feel like I’m OK…if I can do this, I’m OK. My main form of exercise is hiking or spinning class. There are nights that I hurt terribly, but that can also happen after I chop onions for dinner! I usually feel better in the morning. Some days I feel better after my walks. Some days I sit in the rocker and stare into space. I do listen to my body and plan my activities accordingly.
My only reason to comment on the subject is to support the idea that reasonable exercise can work for some people as stated before. For me it provides a huge boost to my mental health. But if it doesn’t work for you, then acknowledging this is not to say you are lazy, whimpy, etc! It is all about finding a balance that works for you.
RA is a tough disease. Very few people understand what RA involves. Thanks, Kelly, for giving RA a voice and for all you have done for us! YOUR SCHEDULE makes MY JOINTS HURT!

By: Michelle

Michelle — Wed, 28 Dec 2011 15:14:10 +0000

As newly diagnosed with RA, I was wondering about exercise. Reading comments here I am learning that it is a very personal choice and something to be taken day by day (as with RA itself). Has anyone done Tai Chi or relaxation yoga? I guess it will be up to me to see if I can do it or not.

By: Kelly Young

Kelly Young — Mon, 25 Jul 2011 15:25:47 +0000

Hi Debby,

What an insightful comment. I hope that you can continue your work and personal exercise for a long time!
There is a 4th post planned on this topic that I hope you find intersting. I get mail from folks who were used to doing heavy lifting who can’t hold a coffee cup or milk bottle – and others who can still run or bike at least sometimes. My impression is that the people I’ve heard from are very resiliant and tough, doing the most they can each day. The disease attacks the tendons quite suddenly in some people which I’m starting to believe may be the cause of some sudden disability in folks who’d obviously prefer to be able to move. It’s a tough disease for everyone, but affects folks differently.

By: Debby Mooney

Debby Mooney — Mon, 25 Jul 2011 15:06:54 +0000

This is a very intense conversation. Very interesting as well. I am a pediatric physical therapist. My specialty area is cerebral palsy, so I have do not have experience working with patients with RA. Actually, I’m surprised I’ve never had a kiddo with JRA. Regardless, exercise has always been a big part of my life (I taught aerobics while I was going to PT school). It’s hard to think I may not be able to exercise int he future. I understand joint protection, and feel that my joints will tell me what I can and cannot do. I always have some soreness somewhere, so it is impossible for me not to work my joints when I am sore. Even my work is very physically challenging (obviously). I think the theme here is, if you feel good enough to exercise, by all means do it, but if you’re in pain (major red flag), then rest. Sometimes, we all need a little “push” to get going, but there’s a difference between pushing yourself through some fatigue and stiffness, and exercising when you can barely move. My goal, is to learn as much about Ra and exercise as I can. I’m hoping to stay active (like we all do).

By: Anita

Anita — Thu, 30 Jun 2011 16:46:50 +0000

A great article…I completely agree with it!!
I am new to your site, but I will be signing up for it.
Thanks so much for you efforts,
Anita

By: Becky Smith

Becky Smith — Sun, 26 Jun 2011 22:42:35 +0000

I do know that RA can be genetic, my mother has it. But one thing I read over and over is how active and even over active most folks were before they were hit with RA. I was a very physical person as well. I wonder if there is any connection to that. If we are more prone to developing RA because we are very physically active. Which really makes it sad, such a huge adjustment to make after it hits. And the fact that we were used to being sore at times so took us longer to say Uncle. Exercise…sure if I want to be in misery and get up in the middle of the night to take a pain pill. And that was just from pulling weeds for about 10 minutes yesterday. Dumb me…

By: Kelly Young

Kelly Young — Sat, 25 Jun 2011 22:11:14 +0000

Jean, are your shoulder joints inflammed by RA “flare”? If so, then I’d get approval from a doc before trying to exercise them much. Most say gentle range of motion stretching a couple times a day is safe.
I hope your shoulders feel better soon.

By: JeanvanderSommen

JeanvanderSommen — Sat, 25 Jun 2011 20:25:33 +0000

i think I’m confused – my shoulders/arms kill me and doctor told me to go exercise with light weight – what about protecting my joints since they hurt so bad?

By: Gia Kirwan

Gia Kirwan — Thu, 02 Jun 2011 20:18:08 +0000

Hi RW,

I don’t know when you write this re RA and excercise but I could’nt agree more. I love walking and was bereaved of its loss when RA struck, I still walk but not so far. I am assaulted on all sides by arthritis associations to walk here/ jog there/ swim for joints/ knees up for mobility. Actually for the reasons you state this enrages me. A particular culprit is Arthritis Ireland!!! They recently had an advertising campagne for dancing with arthritis – I wish!!!

Anyway, just thought I’d say hear hear!