Autoimmune Conditions and Exercise? So Many Health Benefits for You!

The theme for this week … the role of activity with autoimmune conditions

Being active is important for just about every aspect of your physical, mental and cognitive health. Physical activity is especially important when managing the ups and downs that come along with autoimmune conditions. Read on …

Keeping active with autoimmune conditions — why?

Exercise helps you manage other aspects of health when you have an autoimmune disease. Common themes in the many studies about benefits of exercise with autoimmune conditions are clear — being active helps!

Because many autoimmune conditions have associated joint inflammation, many medical professionals have been hesitant to recommend exercise believing it causes further joint damage. Multiple research studies show the opposite — joint function improved!

A 2020 study calls out specifics for Rheumatoid Arthritis (RA) noting that increases in physical activity yield significant improvements in:

• CRP (C-reactive protein, an inflammatory marker)
• Fatigue reduction
• Grip strength
• Waist circumference
• Aerobic capacity
• Cognitive function

These are a big deal for your well-being!

A little goes a long way!

Some research related to autoimmune disease differentiates physical activity and physical exercise, showing that simply increasing activity is highly beneficial.

• Activity is defined as general movement during the day such as walking and gardening.
• Exercise is defined as planned and targeted.

Each was shown to support many health benefits especially related to cardiovascular function. The title of this report is very telling, Get moving and manage the disease.

Bridging® can help!

Although Autoimmune disease like RA has multi-systemic effects making exercise hard, Bridging® can be incorporated to help smooth out joint stress to reap the health benefits from being active.

Insight of the Week from Cara

Clients who have an autoimmune condition are very tuned in to their ability to be active. However, there may be more impeding activity than the autoimmune effects.

More than autoimmune disease may be impacting you

We find some of your specific physical limitations may relate to ordinary factors–the events that have happened over the years which interrupt your body’s ability to easily move. These common disrupters of micromovements include:

• Injuries
• Illness
• Medical procedures such as surgery
• Early life/birth events

Assessing and problem-solving is how we uncover the issues which affect a specific pain or movement challenge. By resolving the impact of the disruption, your overall movement is easier and less stressful on your joints.

Bridging’s targeted approach to problem-solving considers a wider range of solutions than other professionals.

In this week’s video case study our guest, Cheree, has RA which makes her joints stiff. Her knee injury and replacement created a separate block to easy movement. These changed with Bridging®.

Do you or a family member have an autoimmune condition that affects your or their ability to be active? Contact us. We are happy to see how Bridging® can help.