Articles - Z-Health / Pain Relief
By Brian Copeland
There is hope for those that suffer from rheumatoid arthritis (RA). Some recent studies have shown that patients who suffer from RA can benefit from lifting weights and other types of movement.
BBC News August 4, 2010
Arthritis and Rheumatism December 2009; 61(12):1726-34.
Arthritis is a generic term for joint aches, typically in the hands, knees and certain other joints. When people say they have arthritis all that means is they feel achy, it does not indicate any kind of reason for the pain.
Osteoarthritis on the other hand refers to calcification of the joints, in other words the joints are building up calcium deposits which restrict movement. Basically two bones are growing towards each other and are essentially turning into a single bone if left to continue long enough. Typically osteoarthritis is a condition of neglect, use it or lose it! If you quit moving your joints they will turn into bones.
A normal knee on the left, a knee with osteoarthritis on the right.
you can see the calcification as the bones are literally growing together.
Osteoarthritis is quite easy to prevent through regular exercise and especially with Z-Health dynamic joint mobility which takes each joint through its full range of motion, thus preventing calcification. If you have osteoarthritis seek out a certified Z-Health specialist to begin remodeling your joint tissues, it is a sometimes a slow process and sometimes a pretty quick process but unless you enjoy the stiff achy pain you might as well do something sooner than later when it is worse.
Rheumatoid arthritis is an auto-immune inflammatory disease which is characterized by hot, red skin around inflamed joints. Rheumatoid arthritis tends to attack the joints of the hands and fingers but can strike in other areas.
Inflammation is not the only problem caused by RA. Muscle and strength loss also come along for the ride which of course leads to even more problems. People with RA can have trouble doing simple tasks such as bending down, lifting things and more.
Inflamed joints can be damaged even worse through activity so it is highly advisable to seek a qualified individual who understands rheumatoid arthritis and other inflammatory auto-immune diseases before beginning an exercise program. A Level 4 or Master Z-Health Exercise Therapy Specialist is trained to work with such clients. Find a Trainer
A person with rheumatoid arthritis should only engage in any demanding movement if they are not currently inflamed
I can't stress enough this point so I'll say it again, make sure you find a qualified individual who knows how to work with people with rheumatoid arthritis, they should understand that when an individual with RA is inflamed they should not have them do strenuous exercise.
So what type of exercises should you do? Glad you asked.
Always a good fitness program will begin with Z-Health dynamic joint mobility, the R-Phase DVD and manual is the perfect place to begin. The subtle movements of the R-Phase will help to create mobility and reduce stiffness in the joints while helping to rehabilitate injuries and eliminate scar tissue.
Next a sensible strength and cardio training program such as kettlebell training. The exercise should always be approached cautiously and progressively to prevent inflammation.
Since RA is a disease that causes inflammation it would only make sense to eliminate as many inflammatory foods as possible.
Foods that cause inflammation:
- Sugar
- Wheat (whole wheat too!)
- Gluten
- Most grains contain gluten and cause inflammation
- Fruit juices, soda
Foods to decrease inflammation:
- Omega 3 fatty acids
- Grass-fed organic beef (avoid grain-fed beef)
- Vegetables
- Add turmeric to your foods
- Drink lots of clean water
You should never let arthritis of any kind, nor any other condition, prevent you from living life. In fact by resigning yourself to defeat you are actually making things worse. It is well documented that people who exercise live longer, more fulfilled and better quality lives. Smart exercise also helps reverse many types of health maladies and can be used as a treatment for pain, and rehabilitate injuries.
But always make sure you know who is training you. Most personal trainers and fitness instructors know how to do one thing, demand that you push harder. This is macho perhaps but not an appropriate way to exercise.
If you live in Colorado contact me for a consultation, if you live outside of Colorado email me to see if a phone consultation or an online program design would be appropriate for you.
Brian
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