What are some good exercises for a person who has RA? She is experiencing pain in her hips and hands.
Hello Patience,
RA can manifest itself very differently in people, and you always have to be aware of the possibility of flare-ups. I require in the case of RA a physician’s approval. Clients with this diagnosis often had physical therapy, and I am usually asking for copies of the exercises that they had been doing and use those as a starting point.
However, it is important to still do your own assessment. People who deal with chronic conditions like RA often begin to compensate, thus creating muscular imbalance problems in the body that are only secondary to RA. Even though pain in the hands is usually RA, the hip pain does not have to be. But the physician or PT may be able to shed light on that.
Depending on the severity, the exercise recommendations can be just aquatic exercises. They can also progress to light resistance training. Bands are often less intimidating and are also easier to negotiate with pain in the hands because you can have her wrap it around her hands. Flexibility is a must for RA. If you can, try to find some information about MELT. I have many people in my classes who have benefited greatly from this modality. I believe there is a MELT instructor in Hawaii.
Sorry, there is not a list of ‘good exercises for RA’ because it still depends entirely on the person you are dealing with.
Karin Singleton
www.meltnc.com