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Thanks for the great stretching recommendations.
I'm not aware of a city gym. Maybe they're found more in big cities. I pay about $750 per year for my membership but it's worth every penney. By going daily, I feel I really get my money's worth.
Good luck to you,
georgiaView Thread

Your attitude & determination are what it takes to manage this disease. Keep it up & don't give up!
Please also keep us informed.
georgiaView Thread

Please let us know how therapy goes.
Best of luck to you!
georgiaView Thread

It sounds like you are more than ready to make this same commitment in managing your health.
In addition to the water therapy, I walk as much as I can tolerate, stretch, perform light yoga exercises & light weight training. I do this all on a daily basis.
Off hand, I don't know the names of the websites but can tell you I find most such information by "googling" the subject, i.e. "water aerobics for arthritis," etc. Please let me know if this method of internet searching doesn't work for you because I will make note of the websites & share them with you.
Be sure not to over-do any routine & get ample rest & sleep as well. I also suffer from fibromyalgia & the combination of that & OA can be rather brutal but I keep things in perspective by realizing that there are far worse conditions to have.
I make it a point to not sit for extended periods as this causes great discomfort. While reading or watching tv, I get up often to move around, stretch, etc.
Please keep us informed on your progress.
Good luck,
georgiaView Thread

Walking is a great way to start your water aerobics. Many gyms offer classes for those who suffer from arthritis. You may want to check out reputable online websites that offer physical therapy routines in the water. Most pools provide apparatus (noodles, paddles, etc.) that can be used for various water routines.
If your pool is deep enough, an ideal way to decompress the spine is by placing a noodle behind you while resting your upper arms on the noodle. This allows the body to hang suspended in the water & hence, the spine decompresses in the process. It's natural & much less expensive than the decompression procedure offered by chiropractors.
Although the pool is the safest on the musculoskeletal system, it's always a good idea to be guided towards the right indidual routine as each of our bodies are different.
There's a real bonus to the pool workouts & that is meeting many others who suffer with similar problems as ours.
I wish you the best of luck in & out of the water, which reminds me to add that any benefits felt in the water will be carried out to land. The pool has made my body much more flexible & less stiff.
Please let us know how you're doing.
Good luck!
georgiaView Thread

I am at the pool every morning as it truly is my best medicine.
We are all different & have to find what works best for each of us. Is your home/apt big enough to walk around in? My place isn't real big but I still use it as my indoor "track."
Another important & helpful form of therapy is stretching. I found a few good ones online that have become part of my daily routine.
Managing our conditions is a full-time job requiring much dedication & discipline. It's all well worth it as we only have this one body & one life in which to use it.
georgiaView Thread

I am sorry about your pain, especially because you are so young.
Is it at all feasible for you to join a gym/club that offers a warm water pool? Water aerobics has helped so many, including myself, who suffer with joint issues. Due to the buoyancy of the water, we can move unlike we can on land. The benefits of this water exercise are carried on to land, etc.
Best of luck to you.
georgiaView Thread

Sugar worsens just about everything. I'm not diabetic either & I love sugar but try to limit my intake to infrequent treats. I, too, have felt worse after indulging. I'm a firm believer that we are what we eat & by sticking with the good foods & refraining from the junk, we can truly feel better.
georgiaView Thread

I find warm water exercises to be beneficial by allowing me to be more flexible throughout the day. The pool at the gym where I am a member is only 4&1/2 feet at its deepest so I must limit my exercising to various aerobics & lap swimming. I I understand in deeper waters a good therapy for us back sufferers is using a noodle while positioned upright allowing the back (discs, etc.) to loosen up. Just imagining this position sounds comforting & makes me want to seek out deeper waters.
Have you tried a recumbent stationary bike? I believe these are supposed to be easier on the back.
Walking is one of the best things for us, so do as much as you can tolerate. Sitting is one of our worst enemies so if you must do this, try to get up frequently & walk around. A good alternative to the typical desk chair is an exercise ball. The back muscles are kept active while on the ball & once one gets used to it, it's great.
If your not aware of the proper ways to lift, etc., get online & check this out. We truly must pamper our backs; it's a full time job but I'll do anything to remain mobile. You can find many tips on back care at the various websites. WebMD has a great community on their Back Pain Exchange Support site.
Good luck. Please keep us informed.
georgiaView Thread

I have OA of the spine. It's worst in the Lumbar region. Why do you ask? I'm always interested in learning of how others deal with this, so if you'd like to start a thread on that subject, I'll be watching & responding accordingly.
georgiaView Thread
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