Re: Hand and back exercises

[Guest guest]

Welcome to the group. Any form of

exercise can help as long as it doesn’t really cause pain. Of

course what is pain and what is merely discomfort is a relative term but as a

general rule discomfort is OK but actual pain is not. A physical

therapist can help you to know what is acceptable. I just use simple hand

flexing without holding anything but I see no reason why a hand stress ball

would not be useful. Some hand grippers with springs are too stiff to be

of any value because with weak hands we can’t even work them. If

the ball is too stiff you might have the same problem. A tennis ball or a

child’s rubber ball should work. I’m not medically trained so

you do need to check with your rheumatologist to see that whatever you do is

actually approved. God bless.

From: Rheumatoid Arthritis [mailto:Rheumatoid Arthritis ] On Behalf Of rettrogrrl

Sent: Monday, July 03, 2006 11:04

AM

Rheumatoid Arthritis

Subject:

Hand and back exercises

Hello, my name is and I am new to the group. I

have been

diagnosed with RA for about 2 years now, and have some questions. Mine

seems to bother my hands and back quite a bit, and I was wondering if

anyone knew of some good exercises that I could do to relieve some of

the pain? I am taking Plaquenil and Celebrex currently, and it helps,

but I still have pain. My husband suggested a hand stress ball for

exercises, but I wanted to check with others with RA before I bought

one. I want to make sure that this will not cause even more stress on

my joints. If anyone can give any suggestions, I would appreciate it.

Thanks,

[Guest guest]

I found just flexing and range of motion exercises more helpful than a

squeeze ball.... squeezing the ball hurt......a lot....

Ardy

----- Original Message -----

From: " rettrogrrl " <rettrogrrl@...>

<Rheumatoid Arthritis >

Sent: Monday, July 03, 2006 2:04 PM

Subject: Hand and back exercises

> Hello, my name is and I am new to the group. I have been

> diagnosed with RA for about 2 years now, and have some questions. Mine

> seems to bother my hands and back quite a bit, and I was wondering if

> anyone knew of some good exercises that I could do to relieve some of

> the pain? I am taking Plaquenil and Celebrex currently, and it helps,

> but I still have pain. My husband suggested a hand stress ball for

> exercises, but I wanted to check with others with RA before I bought

> one. I want to make sure that this will not cause even more stress on

> my joints. If anyone can give any suggestions, I would appreciate it.

> Thanks,

>

>

>

>

>

>

>

>

>

>

[Guest guest]

Dear - Joint protection is key. Dont lift anything that will put stress on your hands. Dont wring out a dishcloth or clothing. If your hands are stiff, buy compression gloves, get a parrafin bath or just warm water to soak your hands in. A heating back is a must for your back. You shouldnt use anything that will cause your joints to press against one another while in a flair. Listen to your body. Check out www.arthritisfoundation.org to read up on joint protection and exercise. I found knitting or looming for very very short periods with large needles keeps my hands moving. Give a second or third thought to buying corell ware and steer away from handling heavy stonewear dishes, heavy pots or pans, glass baking dishes, etc. Hugs, Deborah

On 7/3/06, rettrogrrl <rettrogrrl@...> wrote:

Hello, my name is and I am new to the group. I have been diagnosed with RA for about 2 years now, and have some questions. Mine seems to bother my hands and back quite a bit, and I was wondering if anyone knew of some good exercises that I could do to relieve some of the pain? I am taking Plaquenil and Celebrex currently, and it helps, but I still have pain. My husband suggested a hand stress ball for exercises, but I wanted to check with others with RA before I bought

one. I want to make sure that this will not cause even more stress on my joints. If anyone can give any suggestions, I would appreciate it.Thanks,