The benefits of yoga for arthritis include a range of physical and mental benefits. Physical benefits can include reduced pain, increased range of motion, and increased strength in the joints and surrounding muscles. Mental benefits include increased emotional well-being and a better ability to cope with the symptoms and complications of arthritis.
Various forms of arthritis exist. Osteoarthritis and rheumatoid arthritis are just a few of the possible arthritic conditions. Arthritis results in swelling and inflammation of the joints that often causes pain and reduces a patient’s range of motion in the joint.
Arthritis can be caused by a number of conditions. Some of the causes of arthritis include general wear and tear with age, immune system disease, and obesity. While yoga may not be able to prevent arthritis from occurring, yoga can be beneficial to those experiencing the negative effects of any arthritic condition.
Yoga is a type of exercise that focuses on both mental and physical well-being. Through a series of breathing exercises and poses, students become more aware of their body. Different types of yoga classes are available, ranging from those appropriate for beginners to more advanced yoga classes. For patients with arthritis, it is important to seek out a professional yoga instructor qualified in helping patients with arthritic conditions by teaching them yoga for arthritis.
As a form of exercise, yoga provides a benefit to arthritis sufferers by encouraging them to stay active. The discipline of yoga stresses flexibility and balance, leading to improved movement within the arthritic joints. In addition, exercise in general can help with weight loss and may limit the impact placed on joints. An increase in strength and flexibility can help reduce the wear and tear on the joint, which can help decrease pain, swelling, and inflammation.
Relaxation and mental well-being are also some of the many benefits of yoga for arthritis. Breathing exercises during yoga can help bring calm to both the mind and body of the student. These yoga breathing exercises helps patients to focus on incorporating breathing into the various movements and poses, and helps turns off thoughts related to dealing and suffering with arthritis.
Depending on the type of class chosen, other benefits of yoga for arthritis become evident. Some yoga for arthritis classes will focus on meditation, which can help relax the mind and body. This can provide arthritis sufferers an escape from the stresses related to living with arthritis.