Hi Laura,
As far as I've heard, exercising will somewhat prevent fusing and keep your range of motion. I've told my rheumy that I attend warm water therapy once a week for stretches and swim about 3 times a week to try to keep my strength and prevent more weight from being put on...and he said that this is good. I find it strange that your PT said that you could not exercise at all....I would have thought that they would encourage exercise in the water as there is little stress on your joints as you are buoyant. Anyways, that's just my opinion...I'm a little skeptical of doctors at this point now with all the poop that they have tried to shovel me!
Keep researching...knowledge is power!
Take good care,
Trina
