Exercises for Arthritis, Scoliosis, Spinal Stenosis and Joint Replacements

The best exercise for people with orthopedic conditions can vary depending on the individual’s specific needs, abilities and limitations. However, here are some types of exercise that may be beneficial to help you manage your symptoms:

• Aerobic exercise: Low-impact aerobic exercises, such as walking, cycling or swimming, can help improve cardiovascular health, increase endurance and promote overall fitness. Aerobic exercise can also improve mood and cognitive function.
• Strength training: Strength training exercises can help improve muscle strength and endurance, which can help with activities of daily living and reduce the risk of falls. Resistance bands or weights may be used for strength training. If you have pain, your body naturally develops compensations to avoid pain. Your strength exercises can help you reduce your compensations and pain over time.
• Range of motion and stretching exercises: Range of motion and stretching exercises can help improve flexibility and range of motion, reduce muscle stiffness and improve overall joint mobility.
• Balance and coordination exercises: Balance and coordination exercises can help improve balance and reduce the risk of falls. Exercises may include standing on one leg, practicing shifting weight from one foot to the other and walking on a variety of surfaces or uneven terrain.

It is important to work with a healthcare professional, such as a physical therapist or a Neuro Exercise Specialist, to develop an exercise program that is safe and appropriate for your needs and abilities. We can also monitor your progress and adjust your program to support your recovery goals.

The best way to find what’s best for you is to meet with one of our Neuro Exercise Specialists for a comprehensive exercise assessment. This 90-minute discovery session helps us learn all we can about you, what you like to do, how you move and how we can make it better with exercise. The assessment includes gait training analysis, posture screening, multi-tasking, functional mobility and strength assessments, balance screenings and a thorough discussion about your daily life.

Following the assessment, one of our coaches will develop your personalized exercise routine. The routine will be built around your specific areas of need, your goals and the most recent peer-reviewed research.

It is common to feel nervous or apprehensive about starting an exercise program if you have more advanced orthopedic conditions. However, it is important to remember that any amount of exercise can significantly benefit your physical and mental health, no matter how small. Here are some tips to help you overcome your nerves and get started with exercise:

• Start with simple movements: Begin with simple movements, such as stretching, walking or seated exercises and gradually increase the intensity and duration of your workouts as your strength and endurance improve.
• Work with a professional: Consider working with a physical therapist or a Neuro Exercise Specialist who can help you develop an exercise program tailored to your needs and abilities. They can also provide guidance on proper form and technique and help you modify exercises if needed.
• Set realistic goals: Start with small, achievable goals, such as walking for five minutes a day and gradually increase the duration and intensity of your workouts as you improve. This can help you build confidence and stay motivated.
• Listen to your body: Pay attention to how your body responds to exercise. If you experience pain, dizziness or other symptoms, stop the exercise and speak with your healthcare provider or personal trainer.
• Celebrate your progress: Remember to celebrate your progress, no matter how small it may seem. Every little bit of exercise can have significant benefits for your physical and mental health.

We understand this can be a financial investment, but we believe strongly in the ability of our Neuro Exercise Specialists. We build programs that show our clients progress that genuinely helps them live stronger each day. These beliefs are supported by our numerous client testimonials and years of experience and expertise in the neuro-exercise field.

When programmed correctly, exercise can help you manage your symptoms better each day and will not worsen your condition. Properly programmed exercise itself will not make your condition worse. If we see any regression in ability, we will coordinate with your neurologist and physical therapist to ensure proper measures are taken.

Exercise is generally considered safe and beneficial for people with orthopedic conditions. Still, it’s important to consult with a healthcare professional before starting any new exercise program, especially if you have pain associated with your condition.

Depending on the severity and type of your condition, certain types of exercise or movements may be potentially harmful. For example, if you have a rotator cuff injury, we will not recommend you start boxing. There would be other exercises we could do to avoid potential pain or exacerbation of your condition. Additionally, if you have a history of neck or spine injuries, you may need to avoid exercises that put too much strain on your neck or spine. It’s also important to start slowly and gradually increase the intensity and duration of your workouts, especially if you’re new to exercise or have been sedentary due to your injury. This can help to reduce the risk of injury and prevent overexertion.

Working with a professional who has experience working with people with more complex orthopedic conditions can be helpful, as they can provide individualized guidance and support based on your specific needs and limitations.

Everyone is different, so we require all clients to gain medical clearance from their physician before exercising. This helps us understand your current medical status and helps to determine how much you may be able to push yourself. It’s important to build a progressive program suitable to your current ability level and increase intensity and duration over time.

We always recommend that people remain active outside any class or guided one-on-one personal training session. Your guided exercise with a professional should focus on challenging exercises you cannot do on your own. Your independent exercise can consist of general mobility and cardiovascular exercise.

Exercise has been shown to help improve multiple aspects of health, including enhancing functional strength, balance and mobility. Specifically, it’s been shown that weight-bearing exercises (walking, strength training, etc.) can improve overall health and mobility while potentially decreasing levels of pain at the same time.

Exercise cannot be a substitute for your medication. We strongly suggest working with your doctor and other physicians on your team to optimize your medications. When you optimize your symptoms, this also helps you maximize the impact of your exercise routine.

Movement Revolution will help you understand your current condition and how exercise can help you maximize your daily abilities. Our team of Neuro Exercise Specialists and client communities are all here to rally around you and help you live stronger every day.