12pm: Dance practice
I have danced in high heels since I was 12 and I’m used to putting them on in a hurry in between dances. But not today. I’m struggling to bend down to fasten them up and have to ask for help, which makes me feel really dependent and helpless. It’s really starting to hit home how having arthritis can affect your everyday routine and how frustrating it must be.
Dancing for me is like riding a bicycle and using the arms and legs to their full extension is normal in my every day exercise regime. I put on the Jive thinking that surely I will be able to dance in time to the music. I was wrong, I don’t feel as stable as normal and I am much slower as everything pulls in opposite directions. I actually give up doing the moves to music in the end in order to try to do the moves properly. Normally, I would easily carry on dancing for hours but today is just too painful. I have heard of dance students who carry on dancing even with arthritis as apparently keeping the joints moving is good for them, I commend them, that’s very courageous.
Sammy Margo, my Physiotherapist came in to my studio to take me through the recommended exercises for people with osteoarthritis. Apparently strengthening exercises can help to reduce joint stiffness, improve pain levels and also improve energy levels as well as helping you feel more confident and positive.