Yoga Vs Arthritis

I am Vishal Kumar (M.Sc. Yoga Therapist and QCI Yoga Instructor since 2018).

Life becomes no less than hell when simple daily activities like sleeping, eating food, changing clothes, and brushing becomes difficult. Such people fight with life daily; they lose every day and lose every day. This is an everyday fight for the patient of rheumatoid arthritis.

It is a common belief that arthritis manifests after the age of 40. Unfortunately, in today’s scenario, this age had come down to 20, due to a poor diet and an unhealthy lifestyle. Due to arthritis, people reduce their daily physical activities. This reduction makes their condition worse (Discussed in the latter part of this article).

Out of many types of arthritis, Osteoarthritis and rheumatoid arthritis are most common. The difference between these two is as follow:

In simple language, osteoarthritis manifests due to the degradation of cartilage in the joint. Following factors play a pivotal role in the occurrence of osteoarthritis:

• Genetic factors
• Sports injuries
• Bad postural habits (Most important and most common)

 

Due to the drying of synovial fluid, bones of the joint start rubbing each other. That is why patients of osteoarthritis experience unbearable pain in the joint. Generally, it starts from a particular joint, and thereafter, it affects most of the joints in the body and could even paralyze the individual.

The symptoms mentioned above become worse, when a patient of arthritis, also deals with stress and inactivity. Let us see HOW? Often, the patient of arthritis decreases his physical activity.76% of the people with arthritis are inadequately active, which results in weak muscles and ligaments. Conversely, regular light physical activity decreases inflammation and pain. Thus, light physical activity should be part of the treatment of almost all arthritis patients. Exercise reduces pain and fatigue, maintain range of motion, and improves joint stability and muscle mass.

Let us see these two simple flow charts for better understanding: (the choice is yours)

If you choose the second flow chart. Then the movement of the body simply distributes synovial fluid on the surface of cartilage, which in turn lubricates joint surface and thus reduces wear and tear.

3 methods for management of arthritis:

• Drugs
• Surgical intervention
• Non-pharmacological intervention

Out of these 3 options to treat arthritis, 3rd one is most appropriate (which includes yoga). Because it is adaptable, affordable, and free from side effects. Thus, Non-pharmacological intervention is considered as the best mode of treatment for arthritis.

Yoga always promotes holistic life, which is free from drugs and unites the physical, mental, and spiritual aspects of human beings. Ideally, yoga with its components like asana (strength and balance), pranayama (decreases muscle tension), and meditation (relaxation and mindfulness) are best suited for osteoarthritis (OA) and Rheumatoid arthritis (RA).

One major advantage of yoga is that it could be modified individually and is gentle on joints. Yoga reduces the level of cortisol. Subsequently, it reduces stress levels.

Yoga protocol for arthritis

These practices should be done under expert yoga instructor!

Hi Readers! If you like this post then do comment and follow. What do you think about yoga's capability to tackle arthritis? Do share your experience and thoughts in the comment section. If you find this blog post helpful, then share it with your friends and family! Any suggestion for the betterment of this blog is always welcome.