A Conducive Way to Do Yoga for Rheumatism

Yoga practice may seem difficult for someone with rheumatoid arthritis (RA). You might think that bending, stretching, twisting your legs, or other yoga poses are impossible for someone with rheumatoid arthritis. However, despite the difficulties and anxiety, yoga actually offers numerous benefits for rheumatoid arthritis.

What are the benefits of yoga for rheumatism?

Although people with arthritis may initially have difficulty mastering yoga movements, you can maintain your joint flexibility. Yes, yoga is truly beneficial as a treatment for arthritis. Yoga exercises can help the body by increasing muscle strength and flexibility.

Meanwhile, the meditation aspect of yoga practice can calm the mind, allowing you to sleep better and feel more energized. People with arthritis also report reduced pain after practicing yoga regularly.

Research in medical journals has reported that yoga can help people with rheumatism by improving body balance, relieving joint pain, and reducing feelings of anxiety or stress.

Another study reported that 26 rheumatic patients who followed a yoga program for 8-10 weeks were able to minimize the signs of rheumatism they had, and some even stopped taking rheumatic drugs prescribed by their doctors.

There is also a study that shows that 16 women with rheumatism who attended yoga classes 3 times a week for 10 weeks experienced improved balance and reduced pain and stress.

This research supports other benefits of yoga for rheumatism. Yoga can relieve pain, anxiety, frustration, and fatigue. Yoga can also reduce the risk of rheumatism in both men and women.

In addition, yoga helps improve joint range of motion and balance, energy, sleep quality, mood, and self-confidence in rheumatic patients.

Safe Ways to Do Yoga for Rheumatism

If you want to do yoga exercises to support the treatment of rheumatism, follow these basic guidelines to ensure that the exercises you do offer benefits, rather than causing injury.

• Before starting a yoga practice, consult your doctor first. Ask your doctor about any restrictions you should avoid. This is because each person's rheumatic condition is different.
• Choose a suitable yoga class. Choose a beginner yoga class so you can understand your physical strength and flexibility. Many fitness centers and yoga studios now offer yoga classes specifically for people with arthritis. It's recommended that you join one.
• Make sure your yoga instructor is certified.
• Pay attention to any pain. If any poses cause pain during or after yoga, tell your instructor. It's possible that the pose isn't working for you, and you need to change or modify the pose that's causing the pain.
• Practice yoga according to your body's capabilities. Everyone's capacity is different, so don't compare yourself to others. Listen to your body and consult a doctor immediately if you have any concerns about any symptoms after yoga.