Rheumatoid Arthritis

[Guest guest]

I've recently been diagnosed with RH and am wondering if anyone has experience

with ashtanga yoga diminishing the pain/symptoms of this disease. I've heard

that bikram yoga is good for this but do not have a studio close by that does

this type of yoga.

 

Thanks.

 

 

 

[Guest guest]

Beth wrote [[i've recently been diagnosed with RH and am wondering if

anyone has experience with ashtanga yoga diminishing the

pain/symptoms of this disease.]]

** Not personally. However, I have done some internet research &

have found two sies of interest:

____________

- Where Can People Find More Information on Arthritis and Exercise?

National Institute of Arthritis / Musculoskeletal

1 AMS Circle

Bethesda, MD 20892-3675

Phone: 301-495-4484 or 877-22-NIAMS (226-4267) (free of charge)

TTY: 301-565-2966

Fax: 301-718-6366

 

http://www.niams.nih.gov/

 

((Some interestings Qs & As from the NIAMS site:))

 

- Should People With Arthritis Exercise?

Yes. Studies have shown that exercise helps people with arthritis in

many ways. Exercise reduces joint pain and stiffness and increases

flexibility, muscle strength, cardiac fitness, and endurance. It also

helps with weight reduction and contributes to an improved sense of

well-being.

 

- How Does Exercise Fit Into a Treatment Plan for People With

Arthritis?

Exercise is one part of a comprehensive arthritis treatment plan.

Treatment plans also may include rest and relaxation, proper diet,

medication, and instruction about proper use of joints and ways to

conserve energy (that is, not waste motion) as well as the use of

pain relief methods.

 

- What Types of Exercise Are Most Suitable for Someone With Arthritis?

Three types of exercise are best for people with arthritis:

 

Range-of-motion exercises (e.g., dance) help maintain normal joint

movement and relieve stiffness. This type of exercise helps maintain

or increase flexibility.

 

Strengthening exercises (e.g., weight training) help keep or increase

muscle strength. Strong muscles help support and protect joints

affected by arthritis.

 

Aerobic or endurance exercises (e.g., bicycle riding) improve

cardiovascular fitness, help control weight, and improve overall

function. Weight control can be important to people who have

arthritis because extra weight puts extra pressure on many joints.

Some studies show that aerobic exercise can reduce inflammation in

some joints.

 

- How Does a Person With Arthritis Start an Exercise Program?

People with arthritis should discuss exercise options with their

doctors and other health care providers. Most doctors recommend

exercise for their patients. Many people with arthritis begin with

easy, range-of-motion exercises and low-impact aerobics. People with

arthritis can participate in a variety of, but not all, sports and

exercise programs. The doctor will know which, if any, sports are off-

limits.

 

The doctor may have suggestions about how to get started or may refer

the patient to a physical therapist. It is best to find a physical

therapist who has experience working with people who have arthritis.

The therapist will design an appropriate home exercise program and

teach clients about pain-relief methods, proper body mechanics

(placement of the body for a given task, such as lifting a heavy

box), joint protection, and conserving energy.

 

- Should Someone With Rheumatoid Arthritis Continue To Exercise

During a General Flare? How About During a Local Joint Flare?

It is appropriate to put joints gently through their full range of

motion once a day, with periods of rest, during acute systemic flares

or local joint flares. Patients can talk to their doctor about how

much rest is best during general or joint flares.

 

- Are Researchers Studying Arthritis and Exercise?

Researchers are looking at the effects of exercise and sports on the

development of musculoskeletal disabilities, including arthritis.

 

They have found that people who do moderate, regular running have

low, if any, risk of developing osteoarthritis. However, studies show

that people who participate in sports with high-intensity, direct

joint impact are at risk for the disease. Examples are football and

soccer.

 

Sports involving repeated joint impact and twisting (such as baseball

and soccer) also increase osteoarthritis risk. Early diagnosis and

effective treatment of sports injuries and complete rehabilitation

should decrease the risk of osteoarthritis from these injuries.

 

Researchers also are looking at the effects of muscle strength on the

development of osteoarthritis. Studies show, for example, that

strengthening the quadriceps muscles can reduce knee pain and

disability associated with osteoarthritis. One study shows that a

relatively small increase in strength (20-25 percent) can lead to a

20-30 percent decrease in the chance of developing knee

osteoarthritis.

 

Other researchers continue to look for and find benefits from

exercise to patients with rheumatoid arthritis,

spondyloarthropathies, systemic lupus erythematosus, and

fibromyalgia. They are also studying the benefits of short- and long-

term exercise in older populations.

 

____________

 

Relating specifically to Yoga:

 

http://www.raacademy.com/remain_active_with_RA_Yoga_guide

 

"Yoga may be beneficial for people with rheumatoid arthritis (RA)

because it focuses on balancing both physical and mental health.

 

Traditional Yoga programs include the three types of exercises

mentioned above (range-of-motion, strengthening and endurance), along

with stress management techniques such as breathing and meditation

which may help reduce anxiety and improve overall wellness.

 

For thousands of years people have turned to Yoga to:

Build flexibility and strength

Improve concentration

Relieve stress

Increase energy

Develop the ability to relax at will

 

The Remain Active with RA Yoga Guide is designed to help people with

RA incorporate Yoga into their daily routine irrespective of their

disability level, under the supervision of a physician or physical

therapist. The exercise guidelines provided may help you experience

the benefits of Yoga, including alleviation of some of the emotional

stresses of living with RA."

 

____________

 

Best of Health to you!

 

Om Shanti ...

Yogini Shakti