Understanding Rheumatoid Arthritis
Rheumatoid arthritis is a chronic autoimmune condition that progressively attacks the body’s tissues and joints. It can significantly affect a person’s life, causing chronic pain and fatigue, while reducing movement and ability to engage in daily activities. It is also linked to a low level of perceived health status and higher rates of psychological conditions including depression and anxiety.
Rheumatoid arthritis is one of the most common forms of arthritis, affecting 456,000 Australians or 1.9% of the total population, with higher rates in females. While it is increasingly common in aging, rheumatoid arthritis can affect anyone at any age. Rheumatoid arthritis progresses in four stages, from minor symptoms and stiffness to increased swelling and inflammation, and finally to visible joint deformities and joint fusion in severe cases.
While rheumatoid arthritis cannot be cured, early intervention and management can significantly reduce the severity of symptoms and delay disease progression. Movement and gentle exercises are key components of management. People with rheumatoid arthritis who exercise have a greater ability to do functional tasks, a higher level of fitness and muscle strength, and improved wellbeing.
Rheumatoid arthritis by age and sex 2017-18 (source: AIHW)
The role of Pilates
Pilates is an exercise option with proven benefits for people with rheumatoid arthritis. Pilates exercises are low impact, meaning they have little impact on joints that are affected by rheumatoid arthritis. A participant can safely exercise and improve their muscle strength and movement, without causing any damage. Pilates also offers a fun and social exercise experience. Regular practice has benefits for both physical and mental health!
Studies have shown a proven link between Pilates exercises and improvement in rheumatoid arthritis, including reduced pain, fatigue, and depression, and increased aerobic capacity and quality of life. Pilates targets functional movement, increasing the ability to perform everyday tasks. The Pilates exercises do this by gently increasing flexibility, mobility, stability, and strength in key muscles and joints in the body.
Everyone has different limitations with rheumatoid arthritis. There are often periods of flares or remission, and exercise needs to be adjusted accordingly. When it comes to exercising safely, it is better to have an individualized assessment and program to ensure the exercise program is right for you. At Pilates Can, we offer pilates for rehabilitation with our private-to-semi-private pilates sessions, where an experienced instructor creates a personalised program to improve your condition. As you progress to semi-private sessions, the instructor will continue to monitor your progress and make changes to your program as needed. They provide support throughout your Pilates sessions to ensure you feel comfortable and practice the correct technique.
Case Study
Several people have been doing Pilates here at PilatesCan
” I like the semi-private lessons as the groups are small, there is plenty of room in the studio and the program is structured to suit my personal needs. I am reassured that an instructor is always there to monitor what I do to ensure that I am doing things correctly and in a safe manner. The admin staff has also been helpful particularly during the transition to online sessions. My thanks to the Pilates Team for doing such a great job! “
– Cinzia B.
There are so many stories that show how Pilates can make difference in your life.
You might be our next one!
Research
Academic
- Effects of Clinical Pilates Exercises in Patients With Rheumatoid Arthritis
- Comparison of the effectiveness of pilates exercises, aerobic exercises, and pilates with aerobic exercises in patients with rheumatoid arthritis
- Effect of Aerobic Exercise Training on Fatigue in Rheumatoid Arthritis: A Meta-Analysis
- Are persons with rheumatoid arthritis deconditioned? A review of physical activity and aerobic capacity
Other
- What is rheumatoid arthritis?
- Who gets rheumatoid arthritis?
- Data tables: Rheumatoid arthritis 2020
- What is Arthitis Fast Facts
- Rheumatoid Arthritis Stages Progression/
- Exercise and RA
- Pilates for Rheumatoid Arthritis
Are You Suffering from Rheumatoid Arthritis?
Pilates Can is here for you! Pilates Can offers assessments and a personalized program
to improve your condition through private and semi-private Pilates sessions. Each
client receives a thorough assessment and a personalized Pilates program designed to
target their individual needs, restrictions, and goals.
To get started, talk to our friendly team 0419 777 477 or provide your contact
details.
