Why Pottery Classes in Melbourne Can Help Arthritis Sufferers Much More Than You Think

Are you or someone you know struggling with arthritis? It turns out pottery classes in Melbourne can help ease the symptoms! While pottery courses may seem daunting for those suffering from the disease, pottery has actually been found to offer pain relief, particularly for those with auto-immune conditions like arthritis. Sit behind the wheel, grab a ball of clay and mould it into a DIY ceramic mug, vase, planter, bowl or whatever you desire! Chronic joint pain is debilitating for many, so nothing makes you more motivated than to join these therapeutic Melbourne workshops, especially since they benefit not only arthritis symptoms but also mental wellbeing, stress relief and focus.

This tactile craft is one of the best things to do in Melbourne in 2024, particularly for arthritis sufferers as it is a gentle way of moving your hands, as you push against the force of the clay. Even for those who don't suffer from arthritis, pottery can be an amazing preventative measure or a unique form of 'exercise' for the hands and wrists. Read on to discover why!

Pottery is art therapy

Arthritis affects one in seven Australians and is often a life-long condition, so it’s important to establish healthy coping mechanisms in order to live a full and happy life. Art therapy has been a very popular method of helping people move past both physical and mental trauma and is considered a very effective part of the rehabilitation process. Often used to treat PTSD and depression, the medical community are now starting to see its benefits with people who are working through physical conditions such as arthritis and osteoporosis.

Art therapy can be crucial for people living with arthritis and other forms of auto-immune diseases. Creative expression and engaging the artistic right side of your brain have been found to lessen the physical impact associated with a chronic injury. While there are many Melbourne workshops that are perfect for art therapy such as painting, knitting and terrarium courses, nothing aids in the relief of arthritis like clay form and pottery.

When undergoing treatment for arthritis, it’s crucial to keep the joints strong and mobile. There are many exercises for this and all are important, but taking pottery classes in Melbourne is an exceptional alternative. Handmade pottery classes allow you to work at your own pace and skill level, and there’s never any pressure to keep up with anyone else. Working with clay is a great method of strengthening your hand muscles that not only aids in long term pain relief but also allows you to express yourself, artistically. Exercising joints affected by arthritis can lead to increased movement and range, and when combined with over-the-counter or prescribed painkillers, work effectively in minimising day-to-day discomfort.

Unfortunately, there’s no cure for arthritis, so effective pain management is crucial in living a healthy, fulfilling life. Learning pottery is not just one of the best things to do in Melbourne but a wonderful way to engage with your creative side and get those artistic juices flowing. So bring your loved ones along to a pottery class near you and get ready for some much-needed art therapy. 

Pottery studios in Melbourne can help you engage with the local community

Despite arthritis affecting people from all walks of life, it’s most prominent in people over 65. Over 57.6 per cent of people over 65 live with arthritis, and it can be very restrictive in your opportunities to be socially active. Our pottery classes in Melbourne have a strong focus on creating a warm and inclusive environment for people of all ages and abilities. Community is essential in cultivating happiness and living a full and healthy life, no matter your age.

Loneliness - particularly among older generations - can increase mortality rates by 30 per cent. Combine those statistics with chronic pain and you’re left with somewhat of a dire situation. That’s why it is so important to make a small effort to improve your health by engaging with the local community. People who experience loneliness on a regular basis have an immune system that is less effective in reducing inflammation and aches, as chronic loneliness can be as physically damaging as long term tobacco use.

Our pottery workshops in Melbourne are all run by local ceramicists and small businesses that have a strong community focus. Becoming an active member of your local community is a guaranteed way to ward off loneliness and make new friends. Our ceramic workshops also give you the added benefit of learning a new craft and aiding in physical therapy and rehabilitation!

Four Melbourne pottery classes to try for arthritis

So, ready to take the next step? You might be asking where can I find pottery classes near me, and we're here to help with that. Fitzroy’s hand building with clay workshop is a great place to start if you’re looking at getting into pottery. Instructor and potter Daisy Cooper has the experience to guide beginners into building beautiful ceramic works in a relaxing and inclusive environment. Arthritis sufferers will not have to worry about the intensity of wheel throwing or other heavy tools, as this class focuses exclusively on the art of handcrafted ceramics. 

Or perhaps try something different with a sculpture making class. Instead of building pots, teacups and saucers, it allows you to be more creative and mould a sculpture of yourself or a friend! This class - although suited for ceramic beginners - requires a higher level of dexterity. If you’re suffering from arthritis, this class is perfect if you’re already on top of your pain management and looking for a bit more of a creative challenge. Our instructors are aware that pottery is good physical therapy, so never hesitate to touch base with the class instructor prior to the lesson to let them know you may require a little extra attention or time.

Want something a little different? Urth Clay Studio's clay vase making class in Strathmore is not only great to encourage mobility in your fingers, hands and wrists but it also allows you to unwind and have some fun with it!

If you're up for the challenge of wheel throwing for beginners, jump behind the potters wheel with Diana Ceramic in Burwood! While the pottery wheel might seem a little daunting for beginners and arthritis sufferers, this class is tailored for newbies so you can learn all the basics of pottery. With the speed of the wheel, you can move and mould the clay against the pressure of your hands and wrists, strengthening these lesser-used muscles and helping to ease pain over time.

Our pottery classes in Melbourne can be so much more than just one of the unique experiences Melbourne has to offer. Pottery can function as physical therapy for arthritis sufferers while also being emotionally rewarding. Art therapy is a tried and tested method of coping with chronic pain and illness, and with pottery being such a specific workout for your hands and fingers, engaging with your local community has never been healthier.