Osteoarthritis and Yoga: PSA
A recent article in the Journal of
Gerontological Nursing (Taibi & Vitiello, 2012) describes the use of yoga
to help adults that have been diagnosed with osteoarthritis (OA). Yoga is an exercise technique that combines
assuming poses with breathing and meditation.
The American College of Rheumatology, Subcommittee on OA Guidelines
considers yoga a valid approach to manage the symptoms of OA. These symptoms include decreased joint
movement, decreased strength, pain and often poor sleep habits. OA is a serious health problem that grows progressively
worse as people get older. Today, 80% of
people with OA have trouble moving and 25% have trouble doing everyday activities. In our aging society, OA costs the American
health care system more than 60 billion dollars every year.
Taibi and Vitiello (2012) describe current research
that reports several benefits for practicing yoga. Yoga has been shown to decrease the pain of
arthritis, improve balance and improve quality of sleep. However, this research
is limited and additional studies are still needed to provide evidence that
yoga is a reliable intervention for middle-aged and older adults with OA. For health providers, this article also
proposes a multi-level theory to explain why yoga works to alleviate symptoms.
Yoga, like any physical exercise program, involves
both benefits and risks. It is suggested
that patients become educated about different styles and instruction of yoga. This will enable them to make an informed decision
and choose a suitable program that will offer safe and valuable options for
treating their osteoarthritis symptoms (Taibi &
Vitiello, 2012).
Reference
Taibi,
D. M., & Vitiello, M. V. (2012). Yoga for osteoarthritis: Nursing and
research
considerations. Journal of Gerontological
Nursing, 38(7), 26-35; quiz 36-7. doi:
http://dx.doi.org/10.3928/00989134-20120608-04
You may know that alternative medicine for many conditions is increasing. Yoga is one alternative medicine therapy that has shown to be beneficial for many ailments. Wong (2007) discusses several therapies for osteoarthritis relief; some to reduce pain, while others promote mobility and strength. Wong describes yoga as one to do both. She does caution that before beginning any new therapy or program to discuss them with your doctor.
ReplyDeleteWong (2007) cites the 2005 pilot study from the University of Pennsylvania on the affects of Iyengar Yoga for relieving pain from osteoarthritis of the knee as beneficial. Kolasinski, S.L., Garfinkel, M., Tsai, A.G., Matz, W., Van Dyke, A., and Schumacher, H.R. (2005) cautioned that due to the small sample of participants further study was warranted. The results did show that Iyengar Yoga was feasibly beneficial for relieving pain of Osteoarthritis. There are several newer studies that support this claim.
References
Kolasinski, S.L., Garfinkel, M., Tsai, A.G., Matz, W., Van Dyke, A., and Schumacher, H.R. (2005). Iyengar yoga for treating symptoms of osteoarthritis of the knees: a pilot study. Journal of Alternate Complement Medicine. 2005 Aug; 11(4):689-93. Retrieved from http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/16131293
Wong, C. (2007). Osteoarthritis pain relief remedies. Retrieved from http://altmedicine.about.com/od/healthconditionsdisease/a/osteoarthritis.htm
Kay,
ReplyDeleteThis is a great PSA for people to find another low-impact activity they can participate with OA. I was looking at other exercises and found low-impact is the way to go with OA like swimming/aquatic activities and bicycling fit in this area as well. Garrison (2012) mentions that exercise with OA very carefully is much more beneficial than avoiding exercise altogether. Exercise for individuals with OA will strengthen the body, help with stiffness and arthritis pain, and focus the mind on something else other than the pain (Garrison, 2012). I am sure yoga will fit perfectly under this category. Additionally, Garrison (2012) mentions that exercise can help compliment OA patients with their oral analgesic medications, since some can cause stomach irriation and liver problems when used over a long period of time.
I am glad to see this PSA as I believe there are many different exercises out there for people with all different abilities and limitations. All it takes is looking in the right place and applying yourself.
Garrison, D. (2012). Osteoarthritis, osteoporosis, and exercise. Workplace Health & Safety, 60(9), 381-383. doi:10.3928/21650799-20120828-04
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