I believe swimming is good for people with arthritis (though there seems to be saying that people with rheumatoid arthritis should avoid swimming?) . I wonder if it helps prevent it? Are lifelong swimmers less likely to develop arthritis in old age?
Funny how I thought of this question. Yesterday I saw my friend's cat. She used to be a very active cat, but now at 15 she's walking like an old lady and had pains due to arthritis. It was sad to see her in this state knowing what she's like when younger. :( (My question pertains to human beings, though ;))
I, too, have lost most of the range of motion in most, if not all, of my joints due to RA. Swimming allows me to keep and utilize what range I have left. Also, I can only stretch when I'm in the pool. I use the resistance of the water to stretch out legs, etc without overstretching or locking up my joints.
Even on days when my RA is flaring, I will get a good, slow-paced workout in and feel better for the rest of the day.
I, too, have lost most of the range of motion in most, if not all, of my joints due to RA. Swimming allows me to keep and utilize what range I have left. Also, I can only stretch when I'm in the pool. I use the resistance of the water to stretch out legs, etc without overstretching or locking up my joints.
Even on days when my RA is flaring, I will get a good, slow-paced workout in and feel better for the rest of the day.
