Use Water Aerobics to Remove Arthritis Symptoms

If you are a person that suffers from arthritis, you might also be familiar with the unbearable pain that occurs especially around your joints. This pain only seems to get worse during the night, and will make you feel like screaming out your pain, and you will also wake up extremely tired in the morning. Fortunately, there are natural ways to relieve yourself of this pain, without resorting to surgery or other extreme procedures. Did this make you curious? It is another reason to continue reading.

You might know that exercise is usually what’s needed to relieve arthritis symptoms. But to individuals suffering from this condition, it is not an easy thing to do as it is in the case of what you’d call “normal” people. Exercising also causes the sufferer to writhe in pain at every point of the way, and it gets to a point where they just give up completely. But did you know that there are other ways to exercise to make it easy for your joints? By reading further, you will find out how to use water aerobics to improve your life!

What is water aerobics and how does it work?

Water aerobics is a sort of ‘aqua therapy’, where you immerse yourself in water and start performing exercises. The water will trigger soothing effects so that you can move easily. It doesn’t involve heavy swimming movements, thus, it is one of the best ways to relieve arthritis for both swimmers and non-swimmers. If you are suffering from arthritis, try to think of how you feel when you sink your sore muscles in a tub of water. Relaxing, right? Well, it is the same for water aerobics. The water improves the blood circulation, and thus, it also relieves the stiffness of your joints. This improves your ability to perform exercises while being partly immersed under water. Devices like flotation belts and support noodles are useful for those who feel the need for some extra help (for example, people in a wheelchair).

How do I start and what will I be doing in the water?

Water aerobics basically requires you to move your muscles, like for example the muscles in our legs. To start exercising in the water, you will initially have to sit on the edge of the pool and start slowly rotating your ankles in both clockwise and anticlockwise directions. After that, you move onto the shallow end of the pool and try to bend, as well as straighten your knees, arms and elbows. By rotating your hands and neck, walking or cycling for about 15 minutes, you target every part of your body. By immersing yourself in water, the force of gravity is reduced by about 30%-50%, making it easier for you to move. For the best results, you should spend at least 20 minutes in water every day.

While water aerobics is highly recommended to relieve arthritis, make sure that you consult with your doctor before doing any water exercise. Also, look for a specialized instructor.