Can Functional Exercise Help Osteoarthritis?

Functional strength training for the lower extremity can ease the pain of osteoarthritis and in some case work to slow the onset of it. When in pain, most people would shy away from exercise but new and different ways to stimulate the body is what could alleviate the ache of joint pain. The scientific research is becoming more supportive of functional strength training for the lower extremity in lessening the effects of osteoarthritis.

What the research says

According to the journal Arthritis Care & Research, throughout a thirty month period, patients suffering from osteoarthritis kept more strength and less joint pain by doing functional strength training for the lower extremity rather than other types of exercises. In the conducted study, the patients' exercise regimen consisted of workouts twice weekly at a gym and once at home. If a person suffering from osteoarthritis could see benefits of functional strength training for the lower extremity, then there could be no limit to the positive effects a generally healthy person might experience.

A routine you can use

One basic functional strength training for the lower extremity includes:

Lunges with/without dumbbells

Squats with/without dumbbells

Calf raises with/without dumbbells

They also emphasize good stretching habits to keep the joints from being stiff. But stretching and functional strength training for the lower extremity is not the only thing a person can do to prevent the onset of osteoarthritis or ease the pain resulting from it.

Not just a crack in the back

Because of its preventative as well as rehabilitative effects, people should consider chiropractic care just as vital as he regards proper nutrition and exercise. People should take a new look at their local chiropractic doctors because chiropractic offices now manage a patient's overall healthcare as well as joint care.

Another way that can help your lower body strength is to have physicians monitor a patient's diet and advise better nutrition. Extra weight on a person can bring with it osteoarthritis because of the stress on the bone and joints. Easing joint and back pain is something a chiropractor can do easily. Functional strength training for the lower extremity combined with a stretching routine and a good chiropractor can stop osteoarthritis before it starts.