Strong Women and Men Beat Arthritis (Hardcover)

by Miriam E. Nelson (Author) "Whether you have arthritis yourself or know someone else who has it, you are intimately familiar with the pain it can inflict, the depression, and..." (more)
Key Phrases: people with rheumatoid arthritis, joint replacement surgery, negative trigger, Tai Chi, United States, Arthritis Diet (more...)

Editorial Reviews

Amazon.com Review
Exercise, particularly strength training, can restore function and reduce the pain of arthritis, as Tufts research scientists have discovered. In Strong Women and Men Beat Arthritis, the team of researchers, headed by Miriam Nelson, Ph.D., presents a home exercise program based on a study of 46 people with severe osteoarthritis of the knee. In four months, the group--who exercised in their homes with easy-to-find equipment--reported 43 percent less pain, 44 percent improved function, and 71 percent increased muscle strength.

The 16-week exercise program starts with a daily half-hour of core exercises and adds intensity and additional exercises after the first month. The program combines strength, aerobic, and flexibility exercises, with the main focus on strength training. You'll need dumbbells, ankle weights, and an exercise step (or staircase). Even newcomers to exercise will find the illustrated instructions simple enough and the level low enough to start immediately.

The program includes a nutritional plan to reduce stiffness and inflammation, emphasizing water, fruits, vegetables, and the right fatty acid ratios. The authors also discuss medications (they work best in combination with exercise and nutrition) and sort through alternative treatments.

Nelson is the well-known author of Strong Women Eat Well, Strong Women Stay Young, Strong Women Stay Slim, and Strong Women, Strong Bones. This title is highly recommended for arthritis sufferers who want to improve their quality of life. --Joan Price

From Library Journal
The Tufts University doctor responsible for Strong Women, Strong Bones now shows women and men with arthritis how to stop hurting and start bending.
Copyright 2001 Reed Business Information, Inc.

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Product Details

• Hardcover: 288 pages
• Publisher: Putnam Adult; 1 edition (April 11, 2002)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 0399148523
• ISBN-13: 978-0399148521
• Product Dimensions: 9.1 x 6.1 x 1.1 inches
• Shipping Weight: 12 ounces
• Average Customer Review: 4.8 out of 5 stars See all reviews (5 customer reviews)
• Amazon.com Sales Rank: #354,055 in Books (See Bestsellers in Books)

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Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

32 of 36 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Strong Men and Women Beat Arthritis by Dr. Nelson, October 30, 2003

By	Joseph S. Maresca "Dr. Joseph S. Maresca CPA,... (Bronxville, New York USA) - See all my reviews (TOP 500 REVIEWER)    (REAL NAME)

This review is from: Strong Women and Men Beat Arthritis (Paperback)

This is an excellent work on the alternative medicinal and
conventional medicine protocols for arthritis. Dr. Nelson
mentions various Vit C dietary combinations utilizing
orange juice, strawberries or grapefruit to provide Vit. C.
Next, the authors cite important anti-inflammatory combos;
such as, Omega 3 fish oil and flaxseed oil. Sunflower oil
has the requisite Omega 6 ingredients. Sulfasalazine and
methotrexate are important protocols for treating seronegative
spondylarthropathies. In addition, the lungs, heart and eyes
may be impacted by ankylosing spondylitis and related diseases.
For instance, Iritis may impact the eyes. Calcification of
the heart valves and electronic problems with the heart have
been noted. Decreased lung capacity is another important
resultant of ankylosing spondylitis.

The authors point out that Chronic Juvenile Arthritis stunts
growth. In addition, the SED RATE (sedimentation rate) and
rhematoid factor are the gold standard for blood tests to
detect arthritis. In my own experience, the MOST- micro-oxidative
stress test may be helpful in articulating the yeast component
as an aggravating factor in arthritic conditions.

The authors provide an important series of exercises which
may be helpful for arthritic patients. The physical therapy
training consists of moderate squatting, toe stand
(standing erect on your toes), moderate push-ups by pressing
the wall, back extensions by facing the floor and raising the
head, modified sit-ups, knee extension flexing, full range
motion employing light weights in torque motion, face flat on
the floor raising the back legs, the lunge stretch,
cross-over hips, placing one knee on the chair and standing
upright or erect, shoulder stretches and a host of others.
Dr. Nelson indicates that excess joint fluid is a sign of
inflammation. In addition, surgical intervention can be
helpful. For instance, an artificial joint may last 15-20 years.
Acupuncture helps to stimulate endomorphins and change blood
flow patterns. There is evidence that acupuncture relieves
arthritis, although there is less evidence for Chiropractic.
This book is worth the price. It provides important alternative
medicinal protocols for arthritis as well as classic physical
therapy exercises aimed at preserving joint mobility and
elasticity. I would supplement the exercises with Alpha
Lipoic Acid to enhance bodily elasticity. In my own experience,
Northern Polar magnets may be helpful if strategically placed.

20 of 22 people found the following review helpful:

4.0 out of 5 stars Really seems to help!, April 21, 2003

By	Missus Dakey (Princeton, NJ, USA) - See all my reviews

I was recently diagnosed with knee osteoarthritis, and I started following the nutritional suggestions in this book. I think it's already starting to help! Plus it tells you how to perform strengthening exercises for your aching joints. I am a big fan of Dr. Nelson's other works. I like how she explains the science and the applications. I plan to share this with my mom, who also has osteoarthritis.

12 of 13 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars No hype, just good, sound information., November 3, 2002

By A Customer

I am the kind of person that is not going to buy or "buy into" a book unless it is supported by some reasonable evidence. If you're like me, then you'll love this book. It is based on a study recently conducted at the Tufts University. In short, the study used a program of exercise and nutrition to combat arthritis. The results? Pain was reduced by a whopping 43%!

Key to their program was strengthening exercises which have been shown in other studies as well as being extremely beneficial for arthritis patients. I am very pleased with books like these that offer sound treatments based on research. If you like these kind of books too and also suffer from back pain, I can recommend "The Multifidus Back Pain Solution" (available here at amazon.ca too) that is based on randomized controlled trials and involves only one exercise you do at home that strengthens your multifidus muscles found to be abnormal in many people with back pain. So start reading, start exercising, and start getting better!