Staying active with arthritis

Are your knees more musical than a symphony orchestra? Are your joints becoming a more reliable forecaster of rain than the Met service? Winter is coming! And it’s not the white walkers that we fear (Game of Thrones fans will understand), but the ailments of arthritis that cause sleepless nights and great unrest.

Arthritis is the single greatest cause of disability in New Zealand and includes over 100 different joint conditions, all of which are characterized by pain, inflammation and swelling. Arthritis can affect multiple joints in the body; the most common being the knees, hips, spine, hands and shoulders. Sounds like a bit of a grim situation, but it doesn’t have to be. Understanding the condition is key. We are often asked if Pilates is ok for those suffering from arthritis and the answer is YES!

Pilates can help to strengthen the supporting muscles around the joints and in the areas above and below, to help off-load an arthritic joint. Most Pilates exercises are non-weight-bearing or only partial body weight, which reduces compression on the joints. Other benefits include maintenance of joint mobility, muscle flexibility, improved posture, and can help prevent load on other joints due to favouring. Improved breathing and regular exercise can help manage stress and improve quality of sleep. Regular strengthening can help delay the need for joint replacement surgery and improve outcomes post-surgery.

Other beneficial exercises include riding a bicycle/exercycle, hydrotherapy and aqua jogging. Walking can be beneficial for arthritis of the spine. In order to minimise disability, it is important to maintain a healthy body weight – especially when the hips, knees, and ankles are involved – otherwise this may restrict walking distance. Diet is the most important factor in weight management for arthritis sufferers, as a poor diet can lead to inactivity, low mood and increased systemic inflammation.

It is important to stay active, but progress slowly in any form of new exercise. Manage symptoms and balance activity with rest. It’s easy to overdo things when having a good day, so it’s important to know your limits and avoid the roller-coaster of highs and lows.

CABJJ Millwater Qtr Page FINAL.pdf 1 16/06/15 11:50 am

For further information or advice see your GP, visit the website www.arthritis.org.nz or book a consultation with one of our physiotherapists www.peakpilates.co.nz

Karen Donaldson

BRAZILIAN JIU JITSU

BEGINNER TO ADVANCED BOOST YOUR CHILDS CONFIDENCE LEARN A DISCIPLINE

KIDS BJJ CLASSES

Mon : 4pm - 5pm Wed : 4pm - 5pm Gi Uniforms required.

ADULTS BJJ / MMA

Mon : 6.30pm - 8pm (Gi) Tues : 7.30pm - 9pm (MMA) Thurs : 7.30pm - 9pm (Gi)

Matt O’Dea - BJJ Brown Belt Head Instructor invites all Millwater kids to come along and enjoy first week FREE!

Coast Academy BJJ 12 Hibiscus Coast Highway, (Nippon Judo Hall), Silverdale www.coastbjj.co.nz