Movement prevents stiffness and keeps your muscles strong in order to support your joints, as such regular exercise is beneficial for anyone, but even more so for those with rheumatoid arthritis (RA).
As an holistic practice, yoga offers support to the physical body - the movements literally reduce joint tenderness and swelling - and practices such as breathing, relaxation and meditation offer emotional and mental support - improve mood and attitude - which in turn assists individuals in dealing with the realities of RA.
BENEFITS of YOGA for RA:
Yoga is currently very trendy and there are a multitude of styles available out there but someone with RA needs a gentle therapeutic style of yoga and an experienced yoga instructor who can work with the individuals’ specific limitations and range of motion and who can adapt postures to suit the individuals’ needs.
Current research on yoga for RA show promising results with better joint health, physical ability, and mental and emotional well-being. Studies have shown that after two months of yoga practice participants reported having less pain, disability and fatigue and experience better general overall health, mood and quality of life. Yoga offers a safe and effective way for people with RA to gain confidence in their ability to move their body.
Additional resources:
https://www.arthritis.org.za/
http://www.arthritis.org/living-with-arthritis/exercise/workouts/yoga/yoga-benefits.php
https://www.hopkinsarthritis.org/patient-corner/disease-management/yoga-poses-for-arthritis-patients-from-johns-hopkins/
As an holistic practice, yoga offers support to the physical body - the movements literally reduce joint tenderness and swelling - and practices such as breathing, relaxation and meditation offer emotional and mental support - improve mood and attitude - which in turn assists individuals in dealing with the realities of RA.
BENEFITS of YOGA for RA:
- Increased flexibility & strength - physically and mentally
- Yoga not only encourages flexibility but it is also a flexible practice - postures can be modified to suit the needs of the individual & encourages the individual to be self-aware & to listen to the guidance of their unique body. Yoga can also be practiced anywhere and anytime - you do not need an hour long session or a yoga mat - an experienced practitioner can help you bring the benefits of yoga into your daily life - from standing and sitting better to focusing on your breath in challenging situations or to aid with pain management.
- Yoga offers low-impact movements which helps the joints stay mobile & flexible
- Fewer, slow & focused movements with breath awareness offer not only muscular support & flexibility, but allows for tendons, connective tissues and bones to ease into more relaxed states
- Yoga improves your mood, relieves stress and eases anxiety, as such it helps to build a positive attitude which in turn offers an energy boost and is thus an invaluable support to anyone suffering from the challenges of living with a chronic disease or condition.
- Yoga teaches you to learn & respect your body - accept what is and be present to the moment. Yoga teaches you to turn inwards to focus on yourself, calming and quieting your body. Regular yoga practice helps you to relax and let go of muscle tension.
- Regular yoga sessions and gentle exercise - walking, swimming, cycling - supports healthy weight maintenance, which in turn takes the pressure off your joints, encourages cardiac health and prevents diabetes
Yoga is currently very trendy and there are a multitude of styles available out there but someone with RA needs a gentle therapeutic style of yoga and an experienced yoga instructor who can work with the individuals’ specific limitations and range of motion and who can adapt postures to suit the individuals’ needs.
Current research on yoga for RA show promising results with better joint health, physical ability, and mental and emotional well-being. Studies have shown that after two months of yoga practice participants reported having less pain, disability and fatigue and experience better general overall health, mood and quality of life. Yoga offers a safe and effective way for people with RA to gain confidence in their ability to move their body.
Additional resources:
https://www.arthritis.org.za/
http://www.arthritis.org/living-with-arthritis/exercise/workouts/yoga/yoga-benefits.php
https://www.hopkinsarthritis.org/patient-corner/disease-management/yoga-poses-for-arthritis-patients-from-johns-hopkins/