Has Osteoarthritis Made You Afraid to Exercise?
When your joints hurt, it’s natural to think the best thing you can do is rest.
But for many women, doing less movement can lead to increased stiffness, weaker muscles, and greater pain. The challenge isn’t whether you should exercise—it’s knowing how to move safely.
If you’ve been diagnosed with osteoarthritis or you’re noticing more joint pain in midlife, this episode of the Pursue Your Spark Podcast will help you understand why movement remains one of the most powerful tools for maintaining your health and independence.
In this conversation, physical therapist Alyssa Kuhn explains why exercise doesn’t have to make osteoarthritis worse. In fact, the right combination of strength training, mobility work, and daily movement can reduce pain, improve function, and help you stay active for years to come.
Don’t Let Osteoarthritis Stop Your Midlife Fitness Journey
Alyssa explains common misconceptions about osteoarthritis, why movement is often part of the solution, and how women can make informed decisions about their health and treatment options.
In This Episode You’ll Learn:
✔ Common myths about osteoarthritis and exercise
✔ Why movement remains important for joint health
✔ How to stay active when dealing with pain
✔ Ways to build confidence in your body’s abilities
✔ The importance of being an informed healthcare advocate
✔ Practical strategies for maintaining mobility and independence
Whether you’re newly diagnosed with osteoarthritis or have been managing joint pain for years, this conversation offers practical guidance for staying active, building confidence, and supporting your long-term midlife fitness goals.
You may encounter joint pain and osteoarthritis if you want to be active as you age. Being honest with yourself about how much you are actually moving is vital because we tend to overestimate how much we move, especially if we are dealing with pain. It is so important to know your options for maintaining an active, adventurous life!
Dr. Alyssa Kuhn is a physical therapist and an osteoarthritis specialist. Alyssa helps people all across the world find pain relief, regain confidence, and lead very active lives.
We can not stress enough the importance of being an informed patient. When you go to the doctor’s office, they want to help you, but it’s to your advantage if you are informed about your health and your options. A simple Google search can help you better understand your options so you can discuss them with your doctor and figure out the best course of action for yourself. When it comes to your health, you are your biggest advocate.
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Links mentioned in the show:
- The Empty Nest Reboot is now the Pursue Your Spark Blueprint
How to each Alyssa:
