Services
NEW Tai Chi Class, Wednesday Mornings, George Burnett Leisure Centre, South Perth from 30th April 2008.
Contact 9474 0855 for details.
Arthritis
Research has found that regular exercise is one of the most effective treatments for arthritis. Generally people with arthritis need to do a mix of three types of activities to help improve their condition - mobility exercises, strengthening exercises and fitness exercises.Physical activity helps broadly by:
- Decreasing joint pain
- Preventing joint stiffness
- Improves mobility
- Strengthens muscles and bones
- Decreases muscle tension
- Improves posture and balance
- Improves your overall health and fitness
Not all forms of exercise are good for arthritis. 
Before you start to exercise it is important to talk with your doctor and healthcare team to help you develop a program that will suit your condition, physical health and lifestyle. When you develop an exercise plan, choose activities you enjoy, not ones that will make your arthritis worse. The following are examples of exercise that is good for arthritis:
- Walking DancingYoga and Tai Chi
Water exercise classes (hydrotherapy)Land exercise classes (strength training, stretch classes)
- Chair based exercises
Osteoporosis
Regular exercise has a very important role in maintaining healthy bones and preventing osteoporosis. Exercise can:
- Maintain and improve bone density - builds bone strength Increase muscle strength - supports the joints improve coordination and balance - helps to prevent falls
- improve lung and heart fitness - reduces the risk of heart disease
Exercise should be undertaken on a regular and long term basis as the benefits for bone health are only maintained with regular physical activity.
People diagnosed with osteoporosis or recovering from a fracture must consult their doctor and health team before undertaking an exercise program because some exercise may produce stress on the bone which is not recommended. A low intensity program of subtle strengthening exercise such as hydrotherapy, gentle weights and Tai Chi is more suitable.
Hydrotherapy - A great form of exercise for people living with arthritis or osteoporosis.
Arthritis WA conducts a series of hydrotherapy exercise classes at the Wyllie Arthritis Centre, 17 Lemnos St , Shenton Park . Exercising in water decreases the stress on joints due the buoyancy and warm water temperature (33-35 0 Celsius) reduces muscle spasms, tension and pain. Benefits of hydrotherapy include: Pain relief
- General strengthening for muscles to prevent joint replacements General stretching for muscles to maintain flexibility (allowing you to put your socks and stocking on more easily!) Increased cardiovascular fitness, thereby increasing exercise tolerance Reduced risk of falling ( also important for osteoporosis ) Improved balance, posture and mobility
- Improved circulation
Participating in a hydrotherapy class can provide various health benefits as stated, but it also offers a relaxed social environment to meet other people with the same condition.For course details please call Arthritis WA on 9388 2199.An open pool session for the general public is held daily between 12pm - 1pm and costs $4.00 for a one hour session, no booking required. Please register at Arthritis WA reception on arrival.
Gymnasium / Land exercises
The thought of a gym can be off-putting for some people yet it can be difficult to stay motivated with a home program.Land-based exercise programs for arthritis are tailor made for individual fitness and strength levels. Gentle exercise
routines are designed by trained health and fitness experts to maintain mobility and reduce the pain and stiffness of arthritis.Consult your doctor or physiotherapist to develop a suitable arthritis exercise program.Weight-bearing exercises are most effective for osteoporosis while walking, running and a gentle resistance program including hand weights provide the best results.Trench Health and Fitness manage the gymnasium at the Wyllie Arthritis Centre and provide specialist land exercise classes for people with osteoporosis in a small, personal environment.The Building Bones class aims to educate participants on the risk factors associated with osteoporosis and the effects of strength training to increase bone density. The correct techniques for osteoporosis exercises are taught with particular attention to individual needs. Classes are held daily with morning and evening sessions available. For further information about Building Bones at Trench Health and Fitness, please call Renee Lenzarini on 9382 2663 or visit their website www.trenchhealth.com.au
