Many of these exercises help you to maintain daily living skills. Ask your doctor or physical therapist what exercises are best for you. Ask for guidelines on exercising when a joint is sore or if swelling is present. Patients must learn to recognize the body's signals, and know when to stop or slow down. This prevents pain caused by overexercising.
Some patients find that relaxation techniques, stress reduction, and biofeedback help.
Some use canes and splints to protect joints and take pressure off them. Splints or braces provide extra support for weakened joints. They also keep the joint in proper position during sleep or activity. Splints must be used for limited periods because joints and muscles need to be exercised to prevent stiffness and weakness. An occupational therapist or a doctor can help the patient get a properly fitting splint.