Pilates Soothes Osteoarthritis Pain

Pilates is a great form of exercise for arthritis patients who tend to shy away from exercise which they feel they cannot do. Pilates, named after its creator Joseph Pilates, focuses on the core postural muscles that keep the body balanced and the spine in healthy alignment.

Specific to osteoarthritis:

• lengthening your body through Pilates movements helps relieve soreness
• stretching helps blood flow and delivery of nutrients to muscles and tendons
• better circulation serves to relieve aches and joint stiffness
• subtle improvements in posture result in fewer aches and pains

Pilates can be taught using special Pilates equipment in settings that are private or semi-private. There are also group mat classes (performed on mats) that do not use equipment. Learn more about Pilates principles and if it might be beneficial for you in our article Pilates Soothes Osteoarthritis Pain.

Related Resources:

• Pilates Videos at About.com
• Therapeutic Exercise for Osteoarthritis
• Tai Chi Is Effective for Knee Osteoarthritis
• Qigong May Improve Knee Osteoarthritis
• How Do Arthritis Patients Perceive Exercise?

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• Join Us in Our Osteoarthritis Forum / Message Board

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