Newsroom Hospital for Special Surgery

Tips for Exercising When You Have Osteoarthritis

Fri, 06 Dec 2019 20:45:00 -0500

U.S. News & World Report reports exercise can help with managing osteoarthritis, as per expert-recommended guidelines.

U.S. News & World Report spoke to William Behrns PT, DPT, OCS, physical therapist at HSS, who advised those with joint disease to begin with low impact workouts. "I would recommend starting with lower-impact exercises and gradually progress based on how you feel," said Behrns.

Use of full range of motion is permitted (as long as its pain free); any movement, no matter how brief, counts toward daily activity goals; and moving based on how your body feels and adjusting your routine as necessary are key. “If you move forward based on how your body feels – rather than what you're used to or what you expect your body to do now – you'll be far better off,” cited Behrns.

Read the article at Health.usnews.com.

Benefits of Exercising With Osteoarthritis

Fri, 01 Nov 2019 19:35:00 -0400

U.S. News & World Report reports exercise improves the symptoms and progression of osteoarthritis, as it lubricates the joints; replaces damaged cells with healthy cells; strengthens muscles; reduces excess body weight; and relieves symptoms of depression and anxiety.

U.S. News & World Report spoke to William Behrns, PT, DPT, OCS, physical therapist at HSS, who explained exercise stimulates the production of synovial fluid, which reduces friction to prevent further damage to the cartilage and bone. “Synovial fluid also prevents the collection of inflammatory proteins within the joints that can lead to pain,” said Behrns.

According to Behrns, stronger muscles ensure better protection of the joints. Maintaining a healthy body weight is also important, to ensure the knees and hips aren’t put under excess stress. “Joint stresses are directly related to the amount of weight placed on the joint during an activity," cited Behrns. "The less you weigh, the less joint stresses will exist." Additionally, Behrns noted for every pound lost results in a four-fold decrease in stress placed on the knee.

Read the article at health.usnews.com.

12 Natural Pain Relief Tips for Knee Osteoarthritis

Thu, 18 Jul 2019 21:23:00 -0400

Everyday Health reports natural pain relief tips for knee osteoarthritis, such as regular exercise, according to experts.

William Behrns PT, DPT, OCS, physical therapist at HSS, suggested slowly building up the number of reps done per exercise, or alternatively working with a physical therapist to tailor the exercises to the condition.

Read the article at Everydayhealth.com.

The Dos and Don'ts of Exercising with Arthritis

Mon, 19 Nov 2018 07:00:00 -0500

Reporter K. Aleisha Fetters features tips on how to exercise if you have arthritis in an article for Silver Sneakers.

According to a 2016 study in Arthritis Care and Research, participating in just 45 minutes of exercise each week (one-third of the national exercise guideline) helps physical function in people with osteoarthritis.

"People often limit themselves based on an arthritis diagnosis and that's a mistake," says William Behrns, PT, DPT, OCS, physical therapist at HSS. "The most important thing is to stay active as best as you can."

Behrns explains the importance of having a workout routine that includes cardiovascular, strengthening and mobility exercises.

If you're not used to exercising, Behrns recommends to "start with less-intense activity and gradually progress based on how you feel".

Be mindful that any joint discomfort felt during or post-exercise is an indication that you may need to decrease the impact, intensity or duration of a given workout.

Read the full article at SilverSneakers.com.