Remedy

Many people experience different types of arthritis pain depending on the specific diagnosis and severity of damage on the joints. There have been many forms of joint pain treatment and Yoga is one of them. Yoga is becoming a popular health routine throughout the world due to the benefits that it can provide. According to recent studies, yoga can also be helpful in reducing swollen joints and arthritic pain.

Yoga is an ancient meditation practice in India that has been around for already 5000 years. The term Yoga is derived from the Sanskrit word “Yuj” which translates to “unite” or “integrate”. It is a combination of different poses combined with relaxation and breathing techniques. It is a practice use to harmonize the body and soul. Doing Yoga is believed to provide various benefits for the human health. Not only does it promote relaxation but it also reduces symptoms like joint inflammation, various types of arthritis pain, and other musculoskeletal discomforts.

In a study conducted at the University of Pennsylvania in Philadelphia by a rheumatologist, Sharon Kolasinski, MD, the benefits of Yoga to patients suffering from knee osteoarthritis. In the study, it has been found out that subjects who do modify Yoga once a week for 8 weeks have reported a noticeable improvement in their condition. Participants were able to verbalize reduction in joint stiffness, decreased joint pain, and improved joint flexibility.

While there are still areas of the healthcare industry that questions the true effectiveness of Yoga on various types of arthritis pain, more studies are surfacing to prove that Yoga is indeed helpful in improving overall health including joint and cartilage conditions.

So why is Yoga helpful for arthritis and swollen joints?
It stimulates blood circulation. The poses and breathing techniques on yoga stimulate cardiovascular function thereby improving blood flow to various parts of the body including joints, bones, and muscles. Blood from the heart is rich in oxygen and nutrients that are needed for proper functioning and body’s natural repair mechanism. At the same time, enhanced blood flow also ensures that the toxins and free radicals do not accumulate in the joints which have the potential to cause further damage.

It reduces inflammation and swelling. As we all know, joint pain is often caused by the inflammatory process either on the joints, cartilage, or muscles. Inflammation is often caused by stressors and a sign of impending damage to the affected area. Yoga helps reduce joint swelling by regulating the enzymes that support inflammation. According to a study conducted at the University of Ohio in 2010, women who did not regularly perform Yoga has 41% more pro-inflammatory cytokines in their blood after being asked to perform some treadmill and stress test.

It provides excellent relaxation medium. Various types of arthritis and swollen joints have one thing in common and that is they need rest in order to allow the natural recuperation process of the body. The poses and meditation techniques in Yoga promotes relaxation of both the mind and soul. It results to improving both physical and psychological symptoms associated with arthritis. Engaging regularly in Yoga also promotes better sleep thus the body is provided with more energy needed to repair the damaged cells.

It improves joint flexibility and mobility. The techniques used in Yoga are also an excellent form of exercise to help enhance range-of-motion of the joints thereby improving overall joint flexibility. Yoga poses can also be modified depending on the condition of the participant especially if various types of arthritis pain are present. Yoga can be modified to fit the level of the participant even if s/he has osteoarthritis, rheumatoid arthritis, etc. Having a medical diagnosis is not a hindrance in experiencing the benefits of Yoga.

It reduces joint stiffness. Yoga is a great way to reduce joint stiffness because the various poses involved allows active involvement of the joints thus promoting blood and lymphatic flow.
It improves the flow of the synovial fluid. This is the fluid surrounding the joints and act as lubricant and cushion to protect the joint from damage. Various poses of Yoga allows equal distribution of synovial fluids in the joints thereby improving flexibility and allows joints to move smoothly.
It promotes weight loss. Being overweight or obese imposes stress not only on the joints but also on the muscles and bones. Yoga helps in weight reduction thus relieving the burden on the joints and its surrounding structures.

It promotes endurance of joint supporting muscles. Yoga poses promote stronger muscles that surround the joints. Therefore, these muscles can accommodate more pressure without putting much burden on the joints underneath. This is why people who regularly does Yoga has more strength in doing the activities of daily living and other rigorous tasks

It improves stamina and overall health. The overall Yoga routine enhances a person’s stamina since it utilizes the cardiovascular system, the lungs, and musculoskeletal system in the routines.

With the benefits mentioned above, there is no doubt that Yoga is indeed helpful in reducing various types of arthritis pain and decreasing inflammation of the joints. The routine may look intimidating at the start but when you get used to the poses and meditation techniques, you will surely enjoy it along with its benefits.