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Range of motion exercises

Posted , 5 users are following.

tony09890
tony09890

Since coming down with RA I have avoided exercise like the plague.   I've noticed however that my range of motion is decreasing so I've started some range of motion exercises twice a day.   Nothing too strenuous just warming them up with wheat packs and then straightening and bending my arms a couple of times.   What concerns me is just these simple quick exercises cause so much pain afterwards I can hardly do anything.   What do you do.

0 likes, 5 replies

5 Replies

  • mary76396
    mary76396 tony09890

    Posted

    Hi Tony, I've not done any exercise for years but after feeling better on these new biologics I joined a gym, with my Docs and Rheumys approval, just to walk on a treadmill and bike etc. (the amount of people who say just go for a walk annoys me as trying to get home if I get exhausted is not pleasant. I can just step off the equipment if needed), after a couple of days I got a bit above myself and did some arm work and crunches. Big mistake I now look like a mummy I've so much strapping on me. If I was you I would contact the Arthritis Foundation and see if they have a remedial heated pool for excercise. I've just come home from a hand specialist who has fitted me with fingerless neoprene gloves (so good!) and a wrist strap to help with motion. They have a pool for exercise that they recommend I use as the bouyancy helps protect joints. Good luck and take care.

  • EileenH
    EileenH tony09890

    Posted

    By far the best thing would be to request a referral to a physiotherapist who can teach you how to do such exercises without hurting yourself. You are likely to have some pain if you haven't been doing exercise - you need to start with a VERY small amount and build up slowly. No rushing into the gym and training for a marathon!

  • tony09890
    tony09890

    Posted

    Yep, been to a hand specialist - once, never again, I was in terrible pain and couldn't use my hands/arms for a fortnight.

    • mary76396
      mary76396 tony09890

      Posted

      WOW! Not good! The one I saw today did no massage as I have a lot of swelling, she explained that pain from my wrist had shortened it meaning that the tendons to my fingers were loose and slipping off the joint which if not avoided would lead to tethering of the fingers so that they would start leaning. The neoprene gloves, hopefully, will prevent this. They are so comfortable, like having my hands in a warm bath. The Arthritis Assoc or physio should be able to advise you.
  • kellymotion
    kellymotion tony09890

    Posted

    Hi Tony sorry to hear about your ongoing pain it's such a drain isint it I was diagnosed with ankylosing spondilitis of the lumber spine and psoriasis arthritis three years ago along with other immune diseases like uvevitis of the eyes when I have flare ups its chronic pain all over really feel weak ect daily tasks are non existent I found like yourself if I didn't do exercise I was sore and it felt like I was in a vice all stiff and sore and if I did exercise it was like I had double the pain afterwards I do 10 reps of light motor movements and on all pain killers and nsads I start biological injections on the 12 the December this year so I'm hoping these help with the flare ups reduce inflammation and then help me to be able to do more exercise then as I know my muscles are weak as I shake alot if lifting ect I'll definitely let you know it these injections help me and maybe if you find anything that helps you you can share with me?

    I hope you get some relief soon x

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