Why exercise is not harmful for osteoarthritis (and actually helpful!)

Osteoarthritis is a degenerative joint disease that affects the bones, cartilage, and other tissues in the joints. It is a common condition that can cause pain, stiffness, and difficulty moving the affected joint. One of the most common misconceptions about osteoarthritis is that exercise is harmful and should be avoided. This is not the case. In fact, exercise can actually be very beneficial for people with osteoarthritis.

Exercise can help reduce pain and improve function in joints affected by osteoarthritis. Exercise can help improve muscle strength and flexibility, which in turn can help support and protect the joints affected by osteoarthritis. This can reduce the burden on the joints and reduce pain and stiffness. In addition, exercise can improve cardiovascular fitness and overall health, which can also reduce pain and improve function.

Another reason why exercise is not harmful for osteoarthritis is that it can reduce the risk of falls and injuries. Exercise can improve balance and stability, which can reduce the risk of falls and injuries in people with osteoarthritis. This is especially important for older adults, who are more at risk for falls and injuries due to osteoarthritis.

Finally, exercise can reduce systemic inflammation in the body, which can reduce the risk of osteoarthritis and other chronic diseases. Chronic inflammation is associated with an increased risk of osteoarthritis and other chronic diseases such as type 2 diabetes, high blood pressure and elevated cholesterol. The impact of exercising causes many different chemical reactions in our bodies which can lead to very positive changes in regulating the impact of other diseases and ultimately reduce systemic inflammation and improve overall health.

The GLA:D (Good Life with Arthritis: Denmark) program is a comprehensive exercise and education program that is designed to help people with osteoarthritis improve their physical function, reduce pain, and improve quality of life.

The GLA:D program consists of a series of supervised exercise sessions that are led by trained professionals, as well as education sessions that focus on topics such as osteoarthritis, exercise, and pain management. The exercise component of the program includes exercises to improve strength, flexibility, and mobility, as well as activities to improve balance and stability.

The education component of the program includes information on the causes and effects of osteoarthritis, as well as strategies for managing pain and improving physical function. The program also includes goal-setting and self-management techniques to help participants develop a long-term exercise and self-management plan.

Overall, exercise is not harmful for osteoarthritis. In fact, it can be very beneficial for people with osteoarthritis. By reducing pain, improving function, reducing the risk of falls and injuries, and reducing systemic inflammation, exercise can improve the health and well-being of people with osteoarthritis. If you have osteoarthritis, consider incorporating exercise into your treatment plan to reap the many benefits of this important activity or, if interested, see one of our physiotherapists for more information on the GLA:D program here at Lake Health Group.

Kieran Toohey

Senior Physiotherapist

Lake Health Group