Is it advisable to do exercise while having a flare?

[Ockle]

I used to go to open gym at the hospital but due to a flare I am not sure if this is wise, I do realise we have to keep all our joints as mobile as possible (pain allowing!) Any thoughts?

[Beth58]

Hi Ockle, if your gym is at the hospital I'd imagine it's supervised by a physiotherapist, so I'd say go and speak to the physio she/he is the best person to advise you on what is best for you.

Beth x

[LavendarLady]

Hi Ockle, if you don't feel like the gym, you could try some gentle stretching exercises at home but don't over do it. I usually stretch out in bed before getting up and then once up, stretch upwards to elongate all the muscles. I do find that helps. the thing to avoid is too much strenous exercises in the gym or elsewhere. But the physio will advise you what is best. LavendarLady x

[Hidden]

A hospital gymn sounds like a relatively safe place for you to go Ockie? But if you're worried the general rule is to pace yourself so that you exercise when joints aren't flaring as much and then rest them as much as possible when they are mid flare and just keep yourself moving as much as you feel comfy with. No expert me though - I've gone and upset my wrists and fingers and knees from overdoing things yesterday with my exercising! TTx

[Ockle]

Thanks for all your comments, will try and contact my physio tomorrow x

[Hidden]

Hi I've done the expert patients program for ra, and in that we learnt whatever your exercise routine is you should be able to do it even on flare days. Easier said than done I know, but because my ra is still very active even on none flare days I'm struggling to do most day to day duties, so my exercise routine is now hydrotherapy three times a week but only for ten minutes exercise, Tai chi twice a week for 30 minutes but wheelchair based, and like ll I spend at least ten minutes streaching out in bed. If I don't I really struggle to move at all, then a few times a day I do head rolls, and toe wiggles etc and use a hand stress ball to exercise my hands best I can.

It may not sound like exercise for some but it helps me keep going.

Take care x

[SarahKate-NRAS]

Hi Ockle

It sounds as if you have already had some great advice from the others on here, but I just thought you might find it helpful to have a read of our article on RA and exercise if you haven't already:

nras.org.uk/about_rheumatoi...

Arthritis Research UK also produce some useful information about exercise on their website:

nras.org.uk/about_rheumatoi...

All of this information is very general so speaking to a physiotherapist about what exercise is most suitable for you specifically is a good idea too.

Kind regards

Sarah Kate

NRAS Helpline