Your Fitness: Tips to manage osteoarthritis

As frustrating as the diagnosis can be at times, there is a silver lining to osteoarthritis if we approach it in the right manner. Hearing these words being uttered by your doctor or physiotherapist can often come as a shock or feel somewhat dooming when we hear it for the first time. What I want you to think instead is that this diagnosis on its own is completely normal and can actually offer reassurance that there is no more sinister pathology at play - meaning this is not terminal or in need of more considerable or invasive medical treatments or procedures.

In many cases, this is one of those conditions where the power falls in our hands to best manage the situation! 

We therefore have the control and ability to understand our body and how resilient it really is. 

In this article I will provide three examples of things you can start doing today if you are looking to start taking control once again!

First things first - I would emphasize the need for daily movement. In most cases this can be simplified as a daily brisk walk that falls within 30-60 minutes across the day. Some people find tracking step counts on their phone/watch more helpful where they might aim for 7-10k steps per day and aim to keep this consistent day to day.

Secondly - I would consider adding on an exercise class or some form of strength training 2-3 days a week where possible. Strengthening the muscles and connective tissue that support and surround your joints is likely to be very beneficial for your overall strength and function, while also positively impacting bone density, lean muscle mass and overall health.

Finally - I would remind myself that my pain does not always correlate with damage. In many cases we just need time for this to improve. We need time to build our strength, capacity and confidence in our body once more. Arthritis is not to be seen as a death sentence - it is more common than you think. What we can do, however, is be proactive and keep moving our bodies, building strength and resilience through exercising and continuing to do the things we enjoy most in life. 

Motion is lotion when it comes to the benefits of movement. Keep your body moving and start small, gradually build on this as you get more confident. A little bit of discomfort at the beginning is normal.

If you are on the fence about online coaching and want to know a little bit more about the process just email me the word “ready” and I will be in touch. 

Please get in touch through the contact information below to check availability and avoid disappointment as spaces are limited. Visit my website www.coachedbycashel.com for more information.

Lastly, I would also like to clarify that I am not a registered dietician. All advice disclosed here is simply advisory based on my qualifications as a fitness professional and personal experience and knowledge gained working with individuals and helping them reach their goals. The advice given is not designed to diagnose, treat, cure, or prevent any health problem - nor is it intended to replace the advice of a physician. Always consult your physician or qualified health professional on any matters regarding your health.

I hope someone out there found some of this information useful here, just some food for thought. 

For any questions in relation to this topic or training, nutrition, etc. or for coaching inquiries simply message me on my business page on Instagram @coachedbycashel_ or by email - contact@coachedbycashel.com