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A new
online Yoga guide, "Remain Active with RA," offers
a unique approach for managing rheumatoid arthritis.
"Physical
activity may optimize both physical and mental health and
play a vital role in disease management," said Dr. Cheryl
Lambing, Assistant Clinical Professor at the University of
California, Los Angeles.
"People
with RA may benefit from low-impact exercises like Yoga to
help improve overall health and fitness without further damaging
or hurting the joints," Lambing said.
"Results
of one pilot study, conducted in the mid-1990s, showed that
rheumatoid arthritis patients who, over a three-month period
participated in a Yoga program, experienced greater handgrip
strength compared to those who did not participate,"
she added.
Alice
Christensen, founder of the American Yoga Association, has
lived with rheumatoid arthritis for most of her, life, and
knows first-hand of the
benefits of Yoga.
"In
my experience, Yoga has helped to improve my joint flexibility
–
especially on mornings when my joints are very stiff,"
Christensen said.
The goal
of the guide is to provide proven ways for alleviating pain
and
stiffness, improving range of motion and strength in daily
life. It offers photographs and detailed instructions for
warm-up exercises and a 35-minute Yoga routine. Tips for overall
wellness – including ways to
reduce anxiety – also are given.
The guide
is a collaborative effort from the American Yoga Association
and the Arthritis Foundation and is available through the
Aventis Pharmaceuticals’ rheumatoid arthritis website,
www.Raacademy.com.
Source:
Arthritis Week
of May 26, 2002
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