What Exercises Are Good for Your Joints?

Joint pain can limit your daily activities. The right type of exercises for joint pain relief can help strengthen muscles that support your joints, relieve pain, and renew flexibility.

Always check with your doctor before you begin any exercise program. The exercises that follow are suggestions, but your doctor can tell you if they are specifically right for you.

Joint Pain Relief Exercises

Roll Your Shoulders

You can target your shoulder joints with gentle shoulder rolls. Stand with your arms straight on your sides. Roll your shoulders forward 10 times, and then roll 10 times backward.

Bend Your Sides

Stand with your feet shoulder-width apart. Keep your knees bent and your tummy tucked. Lift your left arm over your head and to the right, and bend over to the right into the stretch. Slide your right arm down to your knee at the same time. Hold for a 10 count. Return to your starting position, then do the same on the other side.

Rotate Your Trunk

Lie on your back. Bend your knees. Gently rock both of your legs together to the right toward the ground. Hold for a 10 count. Slowly return to the start position. Repeat on the other side.

Easy Squats

Stand in front of a chair with feet shoulder-width apart. Bend your knees, put the weight on your heels. Push your hips forward and arms straight out in front of you for balance. Sit down, and as soon as you can feel the chair, slowly stand up. You can place your hands on your thighs if you need to make the exercise a bit easier.

More Tips on Joint Pain Relief & Health

• If you feel pain, stop.
• Make sure your body is in the proper position for each exercise.
• Be sure to rest between activities, don't overdo it.
• Lose weight if you need to and keep your weight at a healthy level. Excess weight adds stress to your joints.
• Eat foods with anti-inflammatory properties.
• Be sure to have enough vitamin D and calcium in your diet for joint health.
• Drink plenty of water to avoid dehydration.

You can try low-impact exercises that also have added cardio benefits such as swimming, walking, jogging, cycling, and golfing.

Besides improving your joint health, regular exercise and healthy habits can give you what you need to stay healthy as you age.

If you are experiencing symptoms of joint pain and are looking for an exercise program to help find relief, make an appointment today with Specialty Orthopaedics in Harrison, NY. Our doctors can provide the most effective forms of treatment and program to help with your joint pain.