Anyone afflicted with osteoarthritis or rheumatoid arthritis that limits his or her range of movement and functioning ability may be helped by a physical therapy program that safely and effectively reduces pain and stiffness. Adherence to prescribed range-of-motion exercises can help maintain and even improve mobility. Under the direction of the physical therapist, these exercises can be performed, beginning with three repetitions (including doing the exercise on both sides), two to three times per day. As long as the exercised do not worsen pain, patients can build up to ten repetitions.