06/01/2026
Osteoarthritis and Stretching Exercises: CAUTION!
In cases of osteoarthritis, stretching exercises are generally contraindicated.
Indeed, the idea of increasing tissue flexibility to improve joint mobility can be counterproductive, since an arthritic joint often exhibits increased instability. The goal is to increase joint stability, not excessive mobility. When strengthening exercises are performed within the joint's full physiological range of motion, it is generally unnecessary to add stretching to maintain mobility, even in someone without osteoarthritis.
One might think that stretching relieves the morning stiffness characteristic of osteoarthritis. However, this stiffness does not primarily result from a lack of muscle flexibility, but rather from pain-induced spasms and the fact that, after a period of immobility, the temperature of the soft tissues and the viscosity of the synovial fluid (the "oil" that bathes the inside of the joints) are not optimal. Furthermore, the disease leads to fibrosis of the synovial membrane, making it less flexible and contributing to the stiffness typical of osteoarthritis.
The more severe the osteoarthritis, the greater the joint instability, and the more likely stretching—as well as activities involving extreme ranges of motion, such as yoga—will be detrimental.
This phenomenon is further aggravated when stretches are performed incorrectly. Some people push the stretch to the point of causing pain. This pain, in turn, activates a neuromuscular reflex (myotatic reflex) that promotes muscle contraction and spasms, thus contributing to an increase in painful symptoms.
Interesting 😉
By Yvan Campbell
