Exercise with arthritis, yes, it’s possible and even highly recommended. Rufin Boumpoutou, a sports doctor at the Saint-Laurent polyclinic in Rennes, advocates for this every day. As the former medical director of the Stade Rennais football club from 2015 to 2023, he has encountered this joint condition for many years. He treats professional athletes, amateurs, and active seniors. Drawing from his experience, he has developed tools and strategies to help his patients stay active despite arthritis. He outlines these recommendations in a practical guide “Living with Arthritis in Motion” recently published by Baraum Editions. He explains his care principles to Ouest-France.
Arthritis may not be curable, but it doesn’t mean giving up. It’s a new beginning. Arthritis is not inevitable, it does not condemn you to immobility. It’s an incurable fact, but it can be managed.
Arthritis evolves in flare-ups, with periods of inflammatory crises and other times when a near-normal life is possible. This condition disrupts physical abilities and autonomy but, over the years, it’s been demonstrated that the more controlled physical activity one practices, the less arthritis symptoms are experienced.
“Movement should be at the center of care,” Boumpoutou emphasizes. Regardless of injections, anti-inflammatory medications, or surgery, if you don’t get back into motion, the treatment is incomplete. Movement is key in managing arthritis. Even with pain, maintaining some activity helps control arthritis better than remaining inactive.
Physical activity promotes the secretion of synovial fluid essential for joint function. Less movement means less secretion. This fluid helps control inflammation and joint stiffness. Engaging in smart movement helps maintain physical autonomy.
Listening to your body is crucial for patients with arthritis. It’s about moving a little every day progressively to protect your joints. Understanding one’s sports history is important as different activities may impact joints differently.
Boumpoutou’s program “Comba” focuses on understanding and moving with arthritis over six weeks through tailored exercises. It’s not just for those looking to start exercising with arthritis but also for prevention. In addition to exercises, overall lifestyle management, including weight management, proper nutrition, adequate rest, and recovery, plays a significant role.
