Osteoarthritis and how Yoga fits in

What is Osteoarthritis ?

Osteoarthritis (OA) is the most common form of arthritis, the 'wear and tear' variety. Also called degenerative joint disease, it concerns the deterioration of the cartilage protecting the bones. The cartilage begins to break down which results in the bones rubbing painfully together.

What causes OA?

A myriad of things can play a role in damaging cartilage: past injuries, bad posture, one's occupation, diet and lifestyle as well as unconscious habits, such as stiffness or holding tension in the muscles around the joints, overusing one set of muscles while failing to engage other muscles and neglecting to stretch and relax muscles around the joints to help with recovery from stressors.

How can Yoga help with Osteoarthritis?

To help deal with the symptoms of OA, many medical professionals recommend an integrative approach to healing and more individuals see yoga as a means of pain relief. It's important to avoid jarring movements that typically create more pain in the affected joints. Yoga can help minimize or prevent the degeneration of cartilage that causes joint pain and restricted mobility. Yoga postures increase the range of movement even within joints that have undergone damage and in so doing can slow down or prevent the occurrence of more debilitating symptoms.

Physically, yoga poses guide the body through a healthy and necessary range of motion at every joint. Movement is important to lubricate the joints and to prevent stiffness and immobility. Yoga brings awareness to the habitual misalignments and patterns of movement that have developed over years and may contribute to future problems. Becoming in tune with how we move, stand or sit creates an empowered sense of awareness which is important for self-care.

Breath awareness and relaxation techniques increase oxygen delivery to the muscles and tissues which enables better joint mobility, nourishment for the tissues and speeds up repair. Stress can also be a factor in exacerbating the symptoms of osteoarthritis. Yoga can help teach OA sufferers how to better cope with the pain, stress and anxiety. The practice of moving in the poses, breath awareness exercises and meditation all make a significant difference to the long-term management of osteoarthritis.

Exercising Joints and Glands