They can help you determine the best exercises that meet your needs. If you have had joint replacement surgery, also talk with your surgeon. The most common risk is working your joints or muscles too much. Therapeutic exercise is exercise recommended by your doctor, physical therapist or occupational therapist. It includes specific exercises designed to meet your individual needs and achieve specific goals.
Recreational exercise is done for fun and general fitness.
It includes activities you can enjoy by yourself or with family and friends, such as walking , bicycling , swimming, and exercise classes. It is not designed specifically for you by your doctor, but it is a good idea to discuss your recreational exercise plans with your doctor or therapists. These exercises reduce stiffness and help keep your joints flexible. If your joints are very painful and swollen, move them gently through their range of motion. These exercises can help keep your joints moving.