Yoga and Arthritis

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Misty L. Trepke

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YOGA AND ARTHRITIS - By Betsy Gallagher

October 6, 2003 - 7:28pm.

http://www.kokorocentre.com/node/view/93

 

Suffering from arthritis means stiffness, inflexible joints and

painful movement. Usually, the last thing an arthritis sufferer

wants to do is flex and move those painful joints, but doing so with

a gentle yoga routine just might be the best thing for this

condition.

 

Arthritis is a disease of the joints and soft tissues surrounding

them. The demands on these areas of the body are great. They must

strong enough to support the weight from the impact of physical

demands, such as vigorous exercise, yet flexible enough to allow

movement. If these functions are compromised through overuse or

disease, painful, inflamed joints are the result.

 

There are two types of arthritis. Osteoarthritis is the most common

of the two. It generally develops when people reach their 50's.

Often described as the " aches and pains of old age " , osteoarthritis

frequently affects the load-bearing joints, such as the knees, hips

and spine. Slightly more women than men suffer from this type of

arthritis.

 

Rheumatoid arthritis is an autoimmune disease, in which the immune

system inexplicably attacks the healthy tissues lining the joints.

The onset of rheumatoid arthritis often occurs to those between the

ages of 20 and 55. Three times as many women as men suffer from

rheumatoid arthritis. Wrists, fingers, feet and knees more commonly

affected, and this can lead to joint deformity. Fatigue can also be

a factor.

 

How does practicing yoga help arthritis? One of the problems of

arthritis is that the connective tissue lacks moisture. Slow, gentle

yoga postures stimulate the affected areas by lubricating tender

joints and muscles, circulating blood, energy and oxygen. Holding

the poses helps stabilize and nourish, while building muscle

strength. As movement occurs, increased energy flow expands and

opens the area. Bringing positive attention to the problem areas can

also be of benefit.

 

Another key factor to improvement of arthritic symptoms through yoga

practice is its emphasis on relaxation. Chronic muscle tension is

considered a factor in the cause of arthritis. Immobility from

arthritis can result or be hastened from tense muscles in the

patient's continuing efforts to avoid pain. Relaxation rejuvenates,

integrates and uses the energy that is created to heal the body.

Gentle stretching, building muscle and joint strength and relaxation

makes it an ideal practice.

 

Other helpful suggestions for arthritis sufferers are taking a warm

bath, as well as self-massaging of the tender joints prior to a yoga

class. Certain dietary changes can be considered as well.

 

Numerous scientific studies have proven that yoga helps arthritis

sufferers. A 1994 study in the British Journal of Rheumatology

showed left hand grip strength of 20 arthritis patients improved

significantly from the practice of yoga. Research in the Rheumatic

Diseases Clinics of North America showed that yoga helped ease the

pain associated with osteoarthritis and carpal tunnel syndrome.

Another study at the Roosevelt University Stress Institute in

Chicago showed that yoga stretches reduced physical stress while

increasing physical relaxation.

 

Arthritis is developing into a serious problem in our society today,

contributed by our fast-paced, hectic lifestyle and enhanced because

of the aging population. Some studies say it ranks second only to

heart disease as the most widespread chronic disease in North

America. It is not enough to be able to treat the symptoms once they

arise. A regular practice of yoga and relaxation can help prevent

those factors that bring about the situation in which arthritis can

strike. In the meantime, for those who are not so lucky and have

already contracted this frustrating disease, yoga can be a key to

relieving the pain and discomfort, making life enjoyable and

worth living once again.

 

Sources:

Bell, Lorna, Gentle Yoga, Ingram Press, 1982

Christensen, Alice, Easy Does It Yoga, American Yoga Association,

1999

Internet sources:

www.arthritissupport.com

www.yogabasics.com

www.livingwith.co.nz

www.freespace.virgin.net

www.smilehighyoga.com