Prescribing Physical Activity to Improve Arthritis Management

Overview

An estimated 23 percent of US adults (over 54 million) report provider–diagnosed arthritis and there are about 3.5 million adult New Yorkers (22.7%) who have been diagnosed with arthritis. Arthritis is one of the leading causes of disability in the nation and in New York State, and it limits one’s ability to complete daily activities and the type or amount of work someone can do. Arthritis frequently occurs with other chronic conditions and can negatively affect the management and control of these other conditions. Joint pain and stiffness are common symptoms of arthritis, yet these symptoms can be reduced and progression of certain forms of arthritis can be mitigated by participating in exercise programs and regular physical activity. 

Physical activity and exercise ease arthritis pain and improve the quality of life of adults living with arthritis. Studies show that adults with arthritis can decrease pain and improve function by about 40% by being physically active. Despite the proven benefits of physical activity, NYS adults with arthritis engage in less physical activity compared to those without arthritis. 

Health care providers play an important role in helping patients with arthritis become physically active to reduce their pain through physical activity assessment, prescribing physical activity, and referring to arthritis-appropriate evidence-based interventions. Tools like the Exercise is Medicine® program can help health care providers and public health professionals communicate to this population that activities like walking, biking, or swimming are proven to relieve joint pain, fatigue, stiffness, and other arthritis symptoms and improve balance, physical ability, and quality of life. 

Target Audience

Physicians, physician assistants, nurses and nurse practitioners, particularly working in orthopedics and rheumatology, along with pharmacists, social workers and community health/public health professionals.