Questions and Answers

Q: Are Elliptical Trainers appropriate for those of us who suffer with osteoarthritis of the hip? I wonder about the repetitive motion and the fact that, unlike a treadmill or an old fashioned walk, the feet stay planted in the same position.

Exercise equipment that lessens joint impact stress, like the stair climber, exercise bike and elliptical trainer, should be a better choice for your osteoarthritic hip than activities that cause high impact stress (running, jump rope, etc.). The elliptical trainer should produce less impact stress to your hip than even exercise walking, motion, done repetitively, of an OA joint is not in itself harmful and can actually be beneficial. Moderate to high impact repetitive motion of a weight bearing joint with OA can further compromise the joint.

Without knowing the severity of your help OA, alternating walking with the elliptical trainer 5 days per week may provide just the right mix of impact (weight bearing) activities. I recommend that you talk with your local physical therapist, one that specializes in orthopedic rehabilitation, about a hip rehabilitation program specific to your needs.

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