Information on Yoga for Arthritis
Posted: Sunday, July 22, 2007
by Donovan Baldwin
No Diet 4 Me
With all the hooplah about the various benefits of yoga, many wonder about its value in the relief of the pain associated with arthritis.
One of the biggest problems with arthritis, and the attendant pain and loss of mobility, is the fact that it tends to rob an individual of a sense of freedom and of control. Also, it often occurs late in life when a person is already starting to see other negative changes in lifestyle and capabilities.
While a range of treatments and medications do presently exist to lessen pain and sometimes restore some measure of mobility, many people wonder it there just isn't some other way.
They think: Perhaps there is a more natural way to at least decrease some of the pain and restore some of the mobility without such a dependence on medication, and without just giving in.
With these hopes in mind, some will turn to exercise, many only to turn away when their pain seems to increase and the arthritis seems to prevent them from effectively participating in the activity anyway. Some, not even making the attempt, will simply avoid exercise of any kind in the fear that physical activity will only worsen the problem.
As if this weren't enough, when people do look inside books on yoga and see the pictures, they find it impossible to believe that they could ever achieve such contortions...even if they did not have arthritis!
With all this in mind, we now ask: "Is it possible to effectively use yoga for arthritis?"
The answer is most certainly, "Yes"!
However, always bear in mind that we individuals are different as are the forms and levels of arthritis we (and I am one) are burdened with. Therefore, any exercise program, whether yoga or otherwise, should always begin with the approval of your personal physician. Be aware also that individuality dictates that you may or may not be able to achieve what someone else has achieved. If you DO have arthritis, you will NOT, in most instances at least, be able to achieve the pretzel-like contortions of the masters shown in the pictures.
However, most people will be able to increase both flexibility and strength while decreasing the negative effects of arthritis, including the pain associated with it, by regular and consistent practice of yoga.
Almost any low impact exercise program from swimming or walking to weightlifting or bodybuilding (yes, I said "weightlifting or bodybuilding") will be beneficial for almost anyone, even those already afflicted with arthritis. In fact, according to treatment guidelines published by the experts, such as the American College of Rheumatology, exercise is considered to be an integral and effective part of any treatment for arthritis, whether it is rheumatoid arthritis or osteoarthritis, and yoga for arthritis is definitely a recommended form of exercise in the publications of such prestigious and knowledgeable organizations.
Exercise, whether yoga or not, can contribute so much to both the arthritic and non-arthritic individual that it is almost a given that anyone should participate in regular physical activity of some kind. However, as it relates to those with arthritis in particular, who often are already on their own downward spiral of diminishing physical strength, lack of energy, and decreasing endurance or stamina, exercise is going to be a key element in combating the condition. People with arthritis tend to become more sedentary than the rest of the population in general, which itself, by the way, is having increasing problems with those outlined above AND obesity as well.
Regular moderate exercise of almost any kind seems to play a major role in promoting joint health, decreasing joint pain and discomfort, while, at the same time, reversing problems with strength, endurance, and energy as mentioned above. Regular exercise also contributes to a better sense of emotional and psychological well-being while enhancing immune system function as well.
Okay! I'm sold on exercise for arthritis, but what does yoga have to offer that other exercise programs do not?
First, let's put to the side the idea that you must be incredibly flexible to do yoga. Nothing can be further from the truth.
In fact, the very attempt to execute the movement or achieve the position is one of the major factors in the efficacy of yoga. Many people who practice yoga regularly cannot perform the yoga positions seen in the pictures in books, even after years of practice, and it is not uncommon for props and straps to be used to help others achieve something similar to the position. At any rate, the people shown in those pictures achieved their ability only after years of practice and training, and generally have a dedication to the activitiy that you and I are probably NOT going to achieve...with or without arthritis.
People of all shapes, sizes, and weights, however, do yoga regularly, and this includes many with arthritis as well.
That having been said, yoga for arthritis is a good option because yoga, when done properly, is actually a very gentle yet effective exercise method. While calming and helping to relieve stress, it provides the common benefits of other exercise programs while also providing some extra benefits of its own. Along that line, yoga becomes additionally empowering in that, in addition to the benefits of exercise, and reduction in stress, yoga increases one's self confidence and aids in concentration, often allowing the individual to find unique insight into problems or difficulties at many levels.
Even more, yoga is easily learned, allows the practitioner to progress at his or her pace, requires little or no special equipment, needs little space, and can easily fit into almost any schedule, and can even be cut up into several short sessions instead of one longer one. Many people in our stressful world enjoy the calming nature of yoga, particularly if they are facing other difficulties such as arthritis or many other physical conditions. Yoga can be a group activity or can be practiced alone. It can be learned with the aid of formal instruction, or a certain degree of competence can easily be acquired through the use of books and videos on the subject.
Last, but perhaps not least, many people who never thought they could, learn simply to enjoy yoga...arthritis sufferers included.
So, in my humble opinion, yoga for arthritis may be a good choice for you. Why not give it a try and decide for yourself?
About the Author:
Donovan Baldwin is a freelance writer residing in Stone Mountain, Georgia, and a University of West Florida alumnus. He is a member of Mensa and is retired from the U. S. Army after 21 years of service. In his career, he has held many managerial and supervisory positions. However, his main pleasures have long been writing, nature, health, and fitness. In the last few years, he has been able to combine these pleasures by writing poetry and articles on subjects such as health, fitness, weight lifting, yoga, weight loss, the environment, global warming, happiness, self improvement, and life. You can learn more about yoga at http://yoga.4mg.com .
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