Move to Improve: How Exercise Can Alleviate Arthritis Pain and Boost Longevity!

Living with arthritis pain can feel overwhelming, but did you know that movement may be the key to feeling better? Exercise has been shown to reduce pain and improve quality of life for people with arthritis, and at Longevity Exercise Physiology, we’re here to help you every step of the way.

What is Arthritis and How Does It Affect You?

Arthritis is a common condition that causes inflammation in the joints, leading to pain, stiffness, and reduced mobility. Osteoarthritis, the most common type, occurs when the cartilage that cushions the joints wears down, causing bones to rub together. This condition can affect anyone but is most prevalent in older adults.

Common symptoms include:

• Joint pain (e.g. knee pain, back pain, and hip pain)
• Stiffness, especially in the morning or after sitting for long periods
• Limited range of motion in affected joints

According to government health statistics, arthritis affects 3.6 million Australians, and the incidence is growing as our population ages. If you’re one of the many struggling with arthritis pain, keep reading to learn how exercise can help you manage your condition and improve your well-being!

Benefits of Exercise for Arthritis

Exercise may seem like the last thing you want to do when you’re in pain, but it is one of the most effective ways to reduce arthritis symptoms and improve overall function. Here’s how exercise can help:

• Reduce Pain and Stiffness: Regular movement helps lubricate the joints, easing pain from conditions like knee pain and hip pain.
• Increase Strength and Stability: Strengthening muscles around the joints provides added support and reduces the stress on your joints.
• Improve Mobility and Flexibility: Exercises that focus on flexibility and range of motion can help you maintain or improve joint function.
• Bone Health: Weight-bearing exercises stimulate bone formation and slow bone loss, which is important in individuals with osteoarthritis who may also experience age-related bone thinning.
• Weight Loss: Overall reduced body weight reduces the load on the joints, particularly for arthritis of the lower body such as ankle, knee and hip.

At Longevity, we take a long-term approach to health. We help you manage your arthritis now while setting you up for future success, empowering you to maintain your health as you age. Our goal is to not only reduce your pain but to improve your overall quality of life, now and into the future.

How We Can Help at Longevity Exercise Physiology

At Longevity Exercise Physiology, we understand that every individual’s experience with arthritis is unique, and we tailor our programs to meet your specific needs. Here’s how we can help you:

• 1:1 Supervised Sessions: Our 60-minute consultations give you uninterrupted time with a health professional, where we craft a strategy that targets your specific arthritis symptoms and overall health.
• Flexible Exercise Options: We believe in making gym-based exercise accessible for everyone, but if the gym isn’t for you, we also offer home visits and Telehealth consultations to ensure that our services are available to everyone.
• Personalised Support: From your very first contact with us, you’ll have direct communication with your Exercise Physiologist, ensuring continuous support and accountability beyond your supervised sessions. We’re here to guide you every step of the way.

By focusing on individualised care, we’ve helped hundreds of people with arthritis regain control of their health. Our team works closely with your GP and other allied health professionals to ensure you get the best care possible, making your journey smoother and more effective.

Additional Tips for Managing Arthritis

In addition to exercise, there are lifestyle changes that can help you manage your arthritis symptoms:

• Maintain a Healthy Weight: Excess weight puts more strain on your joints, particularly your knees and hips.
• Posture Matters: Pay attention to your posture while sitting and standing to reduce pressure on your joints.
• Pace Yourself: It’s important to listen to your body. If you’re feeling particularly sore, take breaks and modify exercises as needed.

We also offer a lifetime booking system, ensuring that your exercise remains a priority throughout your life. Consistency is key to managing arthritis, and we’re committed to helping you stay on track with your goals.

Take Action Today for a Healthier, Pain-Free Tomorrow

Don’t let arthritis hold you back! Taking the first step towards an active lifestyle can significantly reduce your pain and improve your quality of life. Contact Longevity Exercise Physiology in Campbelltown, Drummoyne, Edgecliff, Liverpool, Marrickville, Castle Hill, Randwick, Penrith, Pymble, Kingsgrove, Neutral Bay, Rosebery, Rhodes, Five Dock, Casey, Gungahlin, and Coburg on 1300 964 002 today to start your journey towards a healthier, happier you!

Written by Callan Pratt