Many people wonder about the value of yoga for arthritis.  Let's take a look at this topic.

One prime problem with arthritis is the fact that it tends to rob an individual of a sense of freedom and of control of his or her life. It often occurs later in life when the individual is already beginning to see other negative changes in their lifestyle and capabilities. Adding the nagging and/or excruciating and sometimes seemingly random pain of arthritis and lack of mobility can be almost devastating for many people.

While treatments and medications do presently exist to decrease pain and, in some cases, restore some mobility, many people wonder it there isn't some other way. 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.

In such hopes, some will turn to exercise, 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 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 open books on yoga and look at the pictures, they find it impossible to believe that they could ever achieve such contortions...even if they did not have arthritis!

So, is it possible to effectively use yoga for arthritis?

The answer is most certainly, "Yes"!

However, always keep in mind that individuals are different as are the forms and levels of arthritis they are burdened with. Therefore, any exercise program, yoga or otherwise, should always begin with the approval of your personal physician. Be aware also that you may or may not be able to achieve what someone else has achieved. You will NOT, in most instances at least, be able to achieve the pretzel-like contortions of the masters in the pictures. However, most people will be able to increase flexibility and strength while decreasing the negative effects of arthritis by regular, 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 afflicted with arthritis. In fact, according to treatment guidelines published by 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.

Exercise, yoga or not, can contribute so much to the arthritic or non-arthritic individual that it is almost a given that anyone should participate in regular physical activity of some kind. However, relative 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 a key element in combating the condition. People with arthritis tend to become more sedentary than the rest of the population in general, which, by the way, is having increasing problems with those outlined above AND obesity as well.

Regular moderate exercise of any kind seems to play a major role in promoting joint health, decreasing joint pain and discomfort, while, at the same time, reversing the problems with strength, endurance, and energy 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 aside any 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, and it is not uncommon for props and straps to be used to help others achieve something similar to the position. Anyway, the people in the pictures achieved their ability only after years of practice and training, and generally 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. It is calming and helps relieve stress while providing the benefits of other exercise programs while also providing some of its own. Along that line, yoga becomes additionally empowering in that, in addition to the benefits of exercise, and reduction of stress, yoga increases self confidence and aids in concentration, often allowing the individual to find unique insight into problems or difficulties at many levels.

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, even being cut up into several short sessions instead of one longer one. Many people 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 be acquired through the use of books and videos on the subject.

Last, but perhaps not least, many people simply enjoy yoga...arthritis sufferers included.

So, in my opinion, yoga for arthritis may be a good choice for you. Why not give it a try?