Arthritis and yoga - Expect Advice on Health and Fitness - coping with rheumatoid arthritis - Brief Article

Ebony, Jan, 2003

Q As a 42-year-old female, I have now been suffering from rheumatoid arthritis for four years, and it seems that nothing I do eases the pain. One of my friends told me that I should try yoga. Can that really help ease the pain? J.B., Orlando, Fla.

A Rheumatoid arthritis, one of the most common forms of arthritis, affects approximately 2 million Americans, with more than 75 percent of that number being women. According to the American Yoga Association (AYA), yoga may help people with arthritis deal with pain and stiffness, improve range of motion and increase strength for daily activities.

The AYA, in association with the Arthritis Foundation, has created a unique yoga guide that's designed to help arthritis sufferers remain active. Each exercise is illustrated photographically, indicating the proper way to perform each movement.