30 Oct Using exercise to manage psoriatic arthritis
WHAT IS PSORIATIC ARTHRITIS?
Psoriatic arthritis (PsA) is a chronic inflammatory type of arthritis that leads to pain, stiffness, and swelling. It’s characterised by morning stiffness in particular, and affects the skin as well and the joints, a key difference from rheumatoid arthritis.
Being an autoimmune condition, managing PsA can be challenging, but incorporating exercise into your routine can play a significant role in alleviating the day-to-day symptoms (short-term), building your physical capacity (long-term), and improving overall quality of life.
In this article, we will explore the benefits of exercise for PsA, share a client’s success story, and highlight the vital role that Accredited Exercise Physiologists (AEPs) play in managing this condition.
CLIENT FEATURE: MICHAEL’S EXPERIENCE WITH PSORIATIC ARTHRITIS
Michael, a 65-year-old man diagnosed with PsA 25 years ago, experiences daily pain and declining mobility. PsA was affecting Michael’s confidence and ability to be able to partake in his hobbies, such as travelling to the south of France and navigating its cobblestone terrain and uneven inclines, performing woodwork, and bonding with his young, energetic grandson.
The physical challenges Michael faces in daily life include:
- Walking up and down stairs
- Bending over to pick things up
- Walking and standing for prolonged periods of time
- Pain and fatigue
The symptoms of PsA Michael experiences:
- Joint swelling and deformity in hands and feet
- Reduced bone density
- Flare ups at the joints
- Progressive degeneration at the joints, leading to multiple surgeries
- Secondary effects from musculoskeletal changes, including nerve pain, muscle weakness, infections, and various injuries
Michael’s experience with exercise:
Michael has always performed some type of exercise, as he believed in the ability of exercise to keep his back and joints strong. However, under the guidance of an AEP Michael received a comprehensive assessment, tailored exercise program, and regular monitoring due to the changing nature of his condition.
He began a tailored exercise program initially focusing on low-impact activities, hydrotherapy and strength training. Over time this resulted in an improved capacity to walk, stand for longer periods, balance better, and be able to lift things from the ground.
Alongside the expertise required to understand the condition and program accordingly, Michael stresses the importance of the adherence and accountability provided by an AEP and having objective assessments to monitor improvements or regressions.
“Quite simply if I hadn’t been exercising properly, I wouldn’t be able to walk at all. I would be sitting in a chair all day,” Michael shares. “I never thought I would still be able to sit on a plane for 24 hours or walk the cobblestone streets of rural France ever again. The support and expertise of my exercise physiologist made all the difference.”
THE ROLE OF EXERCISE SCIENCE AND EXERCISE PHYSIOLOGY
Exercise science and exercise physiology are crucial in the management of chronic conditions like PsA.
AEPs are university-qualified professionals who use evidence-based exercise interventions as medicine to help manage and improve health conditions. They are trained to understand the complexities of PsA and to design individualized exercise programs that address each person’s unique needs.
Benefits of exercise for psoriatic arthritis:
- Reduces pain and stiffness: Regular exercise specifically reduces systemic inflammation. This helps to maintain joint function, reduce stiffness, and alleviate pain as a daily management strategy.
- Improves mobility and physical capacity: Resistance exercise can build resilience against fatigue and delay the onset and severity of pain when in prolonged activities.
- Strengthens muscles: Strength training and movement proficiency helps to support and bulletproof the joints by strengthening the surrounding musculature. This ensures ideal muscle activation when lifting and moving.
- Enhances cardiovascular health: Aerobic exercises improve heart health, which is particularly important as PsA increases the risk of cardiovascular disease. With the associated musculoskeletal issues in PsA, low impact options, hydrotherapy and stationary bike programs can strengthen the cardiovascular system, whilst unloading the joints and lumbar spine.
- Boosts mental health: Physical activity releases endorphins, reducing stress and improving mood.
- Weight management: In PsA, many medications are required to manage pain and inflammation, of which increased body fat can be a side effect. Regular exercise helps in maintaining a healthy weight, reducing the load and stress on weight-bearing joints, thus alleviating pain.
EXERCISING WITH PSORIATIC ARTHRITIS – HOW TO GET STARTED
If you have PsA, it’s essential to consult with a healthcare professional before beginning any exercise program. An AEP can work with you to develop a safe and effective exercise plan that considers your specific symptoms and fitness level.
Tips for exercising with PsA:
- Start slow, build slow: Begin with low-impact activities such as walking, swimming, or cycling. Progressively increase this as the body adapts to the current type and amount of exercise.
- Listen to your body: Pay attention to how your body responds to exercise and adjust accordingly.
- Stay consistent: Plan your week, and month of exercise effectively. Regular exercise is key to managing symptoms effectively.
- Incorporate variety: Combine different types of exercises, including aerobic, strength, and flexibility training, to keep your routine engaging and comprehensive.
If you’re living with PsA, don’t let pain and stiffness dictate your life. Exercise can be a key medicine in managing your condition and improving your overall wellbeing.
Reach out to an Accredited Exercise Physiologist today to start your journey towards better health. Find your local exercise professional today.
Written by Josh de Rooy, Accredited Exercise Physiologist since 2015.
Josh runs the company Allied Health Practitioners Australia who provide therapies to NDIS participants, focusing primarily on chronic pain and children with neurodevelopment conditions. Get in touch with him at info@ahpaustralia.com.au or visit their website.
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