Osteoarthritis causes pain and debilitation, often making traditional forms of exercise difficult. Yoga is a gentle form of alternative treatment that increases joint flexibility and strengthens the musculoskeletal system. This results in greater mobility, energy, and quality of life for the arthritis sufferer.
What is Yoga?
Yoga has been practiced in India for thousands of years. Practitioners tout its benefits, including long life, less stress, mental clarity, and relief from many medical conditions, including arthritis.
It consists of a series of poses, called asanas, that mimic nature in their form. The names of the poses reflect this, such as mountain pose, tadasana; camel pose, ustrasana; and half moon pose, chandrasana. These poses are held for a specified amount of time and combined with controlled breathing patterns.
Meditation may also be a part of a regular yoga practice, which is why it is called a form of mind-body fitness. This aspect of yoga may help combat the depression that often accompanies chronic illness.
How Does Yoga Relieve Arthritis Pain?
In an arthritis patient, the fluid between the joints is decreased, so that the bones may rub against one another, causing more damage and pain. Yoga poses stretch the joints, and allow synovial fluid to fill the open areas, bringing relief to the arthritis sufferer.
Medical Studies On Yoga and Arthritis
In a medical study conducted by M.S. Garfinkel, et.al., and reported in the Journal of Rheumatology, December 1994, pages 2341-2343, a group using yoga as therapy for osteoarthritis of the hands showed marked improvement in their condition.
In another study E.L. Bukowski, et.al., reported in the International Quarterly of Community Health Education, 2006-2007, Vol. 26, pages 284-305, found that after six weeks of yoga therapy, patients with osteoarthritis of the knee had “functional changes and improvement in quality of life.”
Who Can Practice Yoga?
Contrary to popular belief, flexibility is not a prerequisite to practicing yoga. According to B.K.S. Iyengar, founder of the Iyengar style of yoga, anyone can practice his forms. A person begins with a sequence of simpler poses, and moves to the more advanced levels through practice.
There are many forms of yoga, but Iyengar yoga and Anusara yoga, founded by John Friend, are two of the gentlest types of hatha yoga. A certified teacher will adjust any poses to fit the student’s health concerns.
The Final Word
Since yoga is so gentle, the risk of injury is very low and practitioners leave a session feeling energized and refreshed. People can begin practicing yoga at any age and gain relief from the stiff, painful joints and lower back pain of arthritis.
Poses for different parts of the body:
Yoga Poses for Lower Back Pain
Yoga for Arthritis of the Knees
Suzanne Pitner - Suzanne Pitner is a teacher and published writer. A member of RWA and YARWA, she writes fiction as Suzanne Lilly.
Join the Conversation