Rheumatism is a chronic self-immunised disease that often causes corrosive pain, swelling and restricted activity. However, adequate physical rehabilitation is crucial for the mitigation of symptoms, the improvement of joint function and the improvement of quality of life.
For rheumatism patients, the choice of sport is crucial. First, joint activity training is the basis. Patients can perform simple stretching exercises, such as handshakes, stretching fingers, 10 – 15 times a day, several times a day. For knee joints, you can sit in chairs, stretch and bend slowly, and feel the joint movement. This training helps to maintain the flexibility of the joints and to prevent their hardening.
Aerobics is also an essential part. Swimming is very good for rheumatism patients. The floating power of the water reduces the pressure on the joint by body weight and at the same time allows for the exercise of body muscles. Patients can swim slowly and freely in the pool or on their backs for 20 – 30 minutes each, 3 – 4 times a week. If conditions do not permit swimming, cycling is also a good option, including indoor gymnasium bicycles. Adjusting the right seat height and resistance, with moderate riding, enhances CPR function and leg muscle strength.
Power training can help strengthen muscles and better support joints. For example, the patient can use a lighter dumb bell for upper limb force training, starting at 1-2 pounds, with a simple arm bending exercise of 10-12, 2-3 groups each. For lower limbs, a straight leg lift can be practiced, with flat feet on the bed, with both legs stretched up slowly, and down to a certain angle, repeatedly. However, force training needs to be gradual and to avoid overloading the joints.
In the case of physical rehabilitation, patients need to take care of certain matters. In order to select the right time, it is generally recommended to exercise during the period of mitigation. If the joint is in pain and swelling is evident, it needs to rest first. The exercise must be fully warmed up, for example by a slow walk of 5-10 minutes or a soft turn of the joint. In the course of the exercise, it should be stopped immediately if there is an increase in joint pain and fatigue. After exercise, appropriate relaxation can be achieved by stretching muscles to reduce muscle stress and post-motion acid pain.
In addition, patients maintain their regular motor habits. It is not possible to catch fish for two days in the tan, and physical rehabilitation can be most effective only if it is sustained over a long period of time. At the same time, physical rehabilitation should be combined with other treatments, such as medication and physiotherapy, to combat rheumatism.
In short, people with rheumatism do not give up their exercise because of disease. Through scientifically sound physical rehabilitation programmes, it is possible to effectively improve the function of the joints, alleviate pain, regenerate the patient and move towards a healthy and active life.
