You'll often hear me (and others) say, "Listen to your body!" I mention this in the videos on the Exercises Designed for RA page, in seminars, on Web blogs, and in my classes. But what does "listening to your body" really mean?
First of all, doctors are experts in disease processes and diagnosing health problems, but when it comes to your own body, you are the expert! Only you know what type of pain you experience or how a treatment makes you feel. This is especially true of exercise; not everyone has the pain tolerance to become a marathon runner or professional athlete—all bodies are not alike. For people living with RA, it's wise to ignore certain age-old mantras about exercise like "No pain, no gain." More appropriately, you should be "listening" to the pain (and symptoms) your body feels to see what they can tell you and your doctor about your current lifestyle and treatment.
For people living with RA, achieving balance between movement and rest is essential. But how do you know if you've gone too far? What is it you should be "listening" for? Well, it's safe to say that if exercising causes you any lasting pain or discomfort (not including muscle soreness), you're overdoing it. Other signs you should be aware of include:
- Unusual or persistent fatigue
- Increased weakness
- Decreased range of motion
- Increased joint swelling
Remember, listening to your body can be an important part of living well with RA. And as we discuss topics such as exercise in the future, you should keep the following in mind:
- Pay attention to how your body feels and the signals it gives you
- Strive for balance between activity and rest
- Keep in constant communication with your healthcare providers and always look to them for advice
Managing Pain and Stress
