New Online Yoga Guide Offers Help in Managing Rheumatoid Arthritis

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.

Other sources: Aventis Pharmaceuticals