Heat also relaxes muscle spasm around inflamed joints. Heating joints and muscles with a warm bath or shower before exercising may help you exercise more easily. An important part of arthritis treatment that is most effective when done properly every day. Your doctor and therapist will prescribe a program for you that may vary as your needs change. Isometric exercises tighten and strengthen the muscle without moving the joint, and are most useful when joints are tender.
Isotonic exercises strengthen the muscle by using it to move a weight.
Warm water helps relieve pain and relax muscles. Swimming is not necessary, as water exercises may be done while sitting in a shallow pool or standing in shoulder-high water. Support by the water decreases body weight applied to the joints of the spine, legs and feet. Water support of the arms and legs also helps you move your joints through range of motion exercises more easily. This does not replace your therapeutic exercise program, but may enhance it with a variety of enjoyable activities.