Exercise is more than just a way to lose weight. It is considered an important component of recovery and, in some cases, also used either as an adjunctive treatment or as preventive therapy. These aspects qualify exercise as medicine.
In this blog post, we will discuss the benefits of exercise – the specific reasons it is medicine in and of itself.
Exercise as an Adjunctive Treatment for Arthritis
If you’re living with arthritis, the idea of swimming a few laps or just walking might seem like a tall order, but it is what your sports medicine doctor will recommend to keep your joints “well-oiled,” strong, and flexible. Exercise also helps you combat fatigue, which is a common symptom of arthritis.
Exercise as a Vital Component of Physical Rehabilitation
Exercise is an essential part of a rehabilitation plan following an injury or surgery.
If you have an injury, your sports medicine physician can work with your physical therapist to craft an individualized program combining stretching and strengthening exercises with therapeutic modalities with the goal of alleviating your symptoms and helping you gradually and safely regain your normal function.
If you’ve had orthopedic surgery, particularly knee replacement, exercise is crucial for helping you restore knee mobility, ease the pain and swelling around the incision site, and build up strength in your joint. Your sports medicine physician can also collaborate with your physical therapist to help you safely carry out your exercises so as not to put pressure on your operated knee and risk reinjuring it.
The Role of Exercise in Disease and Injury Prevention
Hiking, jumping rope, running lifting weights, climbing the stairs, and other resistance exercises help improve bone strength. Strong bones are able to hold up under stress and are better equipped to support your movement. This translates into better coordination and lower risk for injuries. Optimal bone strength also means reduced risk for osteoporosis (bone loss).
Exercise not only protects your bones from breaking; it also strengthens and makes your muscles limber – making them less likely to pull, twist, or tear even during strenuous activities.
Sports Medicine Physician in North Dakota
If you’re looking for a reliable sports medicine physician in North Dakota, consult ours here at The Bone & Joint Center. Dr. Timothy J. Juelson, a board-certified and fellowship-trained orthopedic surgeon specializing in sports medicine, has worked with countless athletes or people desiring to maintain an active lifestyle bounce back from their injuries, move better, and achieve their full potential.
Book an appointment with Dr. Juelson today. Call us at (701) 946-7400 or (866) 900-8650. You may also fill out our secure online form to request an appointment. We look forward to serving you at one of our locations: Bismarck, Dickinson, Beulah, Williston, Garrison, Hettinger, Turtle Lake, Hazen, Linton, Minot, or Wishek, ND!
