People with joint diseases often think that it's best to avoid exercise when experiencing joint pain. However, in reality, lack of exercise can actually make the symptoms worse, causing increased pain and stiffness in the joints. Therefore, it is necessary for joint disease patients to engage in moderate exercise. So, is swimming good for the joints?
Is Swimming Good for the Joints?
When swimming, the body floats in the water, relieving the joints from bearing weight. The load on the joints is reduced, and the swimming movements put the joints in a relaxed state while also exercising muscle strength.
For patients with joint diseases, moderate swimming can effectively reduce joint pressure and alleviate stiffness and pain.
Swimming Relaxes the Joints
When swimming, the body is buoyed up by the water, allowing the joints to avoid continuous exertion as usual. The entire body's joints are not burdened by weight, leading to relaxation of stiff joints. This is beneficial for the reduction of joint inflammation and the restoration of joint function.
Swimming Improves Joint Flexibility
Swimming is a whole-body exercise that allows joint movement with reduced gravity due to the buoyancy of water. Additionally, swimming requires overcoming water resistance. Long-term adherence to swimming helps improve flexibility in joints such as the shoulders, knees, and ankles.
The Principle of Alleviating Joint Pain through Swimming
Swimming promotes blood flow to the joints and strengthens the muscles around the joints, reducing joint pressure. The active muscles around the joints strengthen the bones, providing exercise for the joints. Conversely, if one does not exercise for a long time, the muscles will begin to atrophy, which can easily lead to pressure on the joints and the aging of ligaments and tendons around the joints.
Does Swimming Have Any Harmful Effects on Joints?
Although swimming is considered beneficial for most people with joint problems, it is not recommended for individuals with rheumatoid arthritis.
This is because the water temperature in swimming pools is generally below 30 degrees Celsius, and excessive exposure to cold water can worsen the condition of rheumatoid arthritis patients.
