The use of exercise in the treatment of arthritis is very important. As we discussed, the arthritic joint is typically stiff and painful and weak. And so if we can reverse those things with exercise, it would be very beneficial for the patient. Heavier is not always better, painful is not better. You basically want to initially work on regaining your full range of motion of the joint, and then gradually build up your strength as tolerated. So, once you have regained your motion, you can work at a very low weight and gradually work up. For patients whose joints are just too sore to manage a weight-bearing exercise or weight lifting exercise, aquatic therapy may be very helpful as well.
