(HealthDay News) - Exercise can be a great way to deal with the aches and pains of arthritis. But it's important to perform the right exercises under a doctor's supervision.

Here are suggestions about exercising if you have arthritis, courtesy of the University of Washington School of Medicine:

• If you have a physical or occupational therapist, he or she should participate in creating your exercise plan.
• Your exercises should put minimal stress on your joints, especially when you first start out. Don't overdo it.
• Try a combination of both therapeutic (designed to help ease symptoms and improve joint function) and recreational (just for fun) exercises.
• Use other methods to ease symptoms, such as using heating pads and ice packs, eating a healthy diet, taking medication as prescribed, and maintaining a healthy body weight.