“Exercise is important for all people, including those with Crohn’s disease,” says Jessica Philpott, MD, PhD, a gastroenterologist at the Cleveland Clinic in Ohio. Studies suggest swimming has a positive impact on people with an inflammatory bowel disease (IBD) like Crohn’s, she says, especially when you’re in remission.
Swimming to Ease Arthritis Pain
Arthritis affects 25 percent of people with Crohn’s and is one of the most common complications occurring outside the intestinal tract. While nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) can help relieve symptoms of arthritis, many times they’re not an option for people with Crohn’s, since they can irritate the intestine and worsen inflammation. Swimming is an easy, pain-free way to keep joints working while also promoting flexibility and strength. A study published in March 2016 in The Journal of Rheumatology found middle-aged and older adults with osteoarthritis who participated in three months of swimming exercise training had a reduction in stiffness and joint pain as well as an increase in quality of life. Studies have also shown that physical exercise like swimming can actually help you feel better. A review of exercise in IBD patients published in the August 2016 issue of Pharmacological Reports found that being physically active appears to reduce the severity of Crohn’s symptoms. In addition to improving disease activity, a research review published in 2017 in the journal Clinical Experimental Gastroenterology found that exercise can help with fatigue and boost quality of life for people with IBD. And a study published in May 2015 in the journal Inflammatory Bowel Disease found that patients whose Crohn’s was in remission had a lower risk of future flares if they exercised. Here are six other ways swimming can help people with Crohn’s:
7 Things to Know Before You Dive In
Always check with your healthcare provider before you begin exercising, especially if you haven’t exercised in a long time or are starting a new routine. Likewise, check with your provider on resuming exercise once your symptoms are under control. Here are some other things to keep in mind before you get started: Additional reporting by Ashley Welch.
