Low-impact exercises for osteoarthritis this summer: A Chiropractor’s guide

Low-impact exercises for osteoarthritis this summer: A Chiropractor’s guide

What is osteoarthritis and how can Chiropractors help?

Osteoarthritis is a widely known and recognized condition in the ageing population. Our goal as chiropractors is to help our patients with osteoarthritis live their best lives with the least amount of discomfort. Just because you have wear and tear in your spine and joints does not mean you will have pain. Chiropractors at CURAVITA manage conditions, including osteoarthritis and help our patients with osteoarthritis move and feel their best.

Key early indicators of osteoarthritis include stiffness, limited range of motion, joint pain, and muscle imbalances. Morning stiffness lasting less than 30 minutes is another key indicator of osteoarthritis in the spine, the hips and the knees. Conservative chiropractic care is effective for people with osteoarthritis by improving the range of motion, mobility, muscle strength and balance.

Here are three low-impact exercises we recommend this summer for patients living with osteoarthritis.

1. Swimming:

By decreasing the amount of weight on the joints, swimming is great for mobility and strengthening. It is also good for core muscle activation while offloading the impact on the spine, hips and knees. Swimming is one of the few sports to provide a full body and cardiovascular workout as it engages nearly all your muscle groups. Swimming is a great way to stay refreshed on a hot Ottawa summer day!

2. Cycling:

Cycling is a great way to enjoy the outdoors this summer in Ottawa while supporting the mobility and strength of the back, hips, knees and ankles. Just watch out for the goose along the bike paths!

3. Walking:

Walking is a fantastic activity for all ages. Don’t underestimate the power of walking. You will be pleasantly surprised how powerful walking a little bit every day will help you maintain mobility and posture to help complement your osteoarthritis management.

Ask your chiropractor for more information on how we can help you move and feel your best this summer. At CURAVITA Health Group in Ottawa, our team of expert Chiropractors, Physiotherapists, and Registered Massage Therapists collaborate to create a customized care plan to meet your specific osteoarthritis needs.

For more information or to book an appointment with one of our chiropractors, physiotherapists or massage therapists, visit our clinic websites at CURAVITA ByWard and CURAVITA Glebe.