![Patient, Avery, stretching outside](/cmsctx/pv/mdingwell/culture/en-US/wg/71a92893-5b8e-48dc-813c-8d73583ca087/readonly/0/ea/1/h/a65c3bb1dc04b5d1c13964073490033f6b5f7be901ff95d445b62d0ef33a7b57/-/getmedia/011bcead-8d21-484f-9ec5-e5c7fa555af3/Avery-097?width=1200&height=619&ext=.jpg&uh=118e63b90fb95b97fdc08e1ee1a14b60e37ae6898348136c71daeba7cc545e67&administrationdomain=https%3A%2F%2Fcms.scottishritehospital.org)
Nov 09, 2020 / Rheumatology
Exercise Tips for Patients Seen in Our Rheumatology Clinic
At Scottish Rite for Children, the Rheumatology clinic provides care to patients who are diagnosed with a condition that can cause inflammation in different parts of the body. It can affect their joints which can make them hurt and swollen. What can you do to make it better?
Exercise should be part of your daily routine. Inactivity, or not doing anything, may make your symptoms worse and increase muscle weakness brought on by the disease you have.
Inactivity may cause:
Benefits of exercise include:
Exercise should be part of your daily routine. Inactivity, or not doing anything, may make your symptoms worse and increase muscle weakness brought on by the disease you have.
Inactivity may cause:
- your muscles to be weaker.
- your joints to stiffen.
- loss of motion in your joints that can be difficult to regain.
- Range of motion exercises are gentle, active exercises done daily to maintain or improve function and reduce injuries.
- Strengthening exercises are usually done every other day and work the muscle a bit harder than usual. Examples include using weights, elastic bands or weight machines for more resistance.
- Aerobic exercises include activities that use the large muscles of the body to improve heart, lung and muscle function, such as a cycling program.
Benefits of exercise include:
- Maintain joint range of motion
- Prevent obesity
- Preserve ability for self-care and independence
- Improve mood
- Improve self-esteem
- Prevent osteoporosis
- Prevent muscle weakness