When we think of yoga it is usually synonymous with peace, relaxation and tranquility. Yoga is actually the physical, mental, and spiritual practiceor disciplines, which originated in ancient India with a view to attain a state of permanent peace. In addition to attaining permanent peace, recent studies demonstrate that practicing “hatha yoga” can be used to treat chronic diseases, such as osteoarthritis.
A recent study was performed by the Department of Exercise Rehab, Faculty of Exercise Sciences at the University of Isfahan, Isfahan, Iran. The study contained a group of 30 women, however they were separated into 2 groups. There was the yoga group, which contained 15 women along with the control group, consisting of the remaining 15. The experiment was designed to that the yoga group received 60 minutes sessions of treatment (Hatha Yoga) 3 times per week for a grand total of 8 weeks. Following the treatment the pain, symptoms, daily activities, sports and spare-time activities, and quality of life were respectively measured by Visual Analog Scale (VAS) and Knee injury and Osteoarthritis Outcome Scale (KOOS) questionnaire.
The findings of the study demonstrated that the pain and symptoms “yoga group” the individuals that underwent the hatha yoga sessions were significantly decreased and scores of daily activities, sports, spare-time activities, and quality of life were significantly increased in the yoga group. As a result, this study provides evidence that yoga can be used as a conservative treatment besides usual treatments and medications to improve the condition of people with osteoarthritis of the knees.
Additionally, physical therapy has been proven useful for individuals suffering from osteoarthritis. Viscosupplementation and regenerative medical treatments such as platelet rich plasma therapy and adult stem cell injection therapy treatment options can also be used for individuals suffering from osteoarthritis. If you or a loved one is seeking treatment for osteoarthritis contact my office, Cross Bay Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation where we will get you on the path to finding pain relief. We successfully treat osteoarthritis with our state of the art physical therapy department, viscosupplementation, platelet rich plasma and stem cell injection therapy. Located in Howard Beach, NY our facility is easily accessible for all patients seeking treatment in the tri-state area.