yoga

[deberinpol]

Hello Everyone!

I was diagnosed with lupus last year. I am currently taking plaquenil and an antiinflamatory for my symptoms, but it doesn't seem to make the stiff/painful joints and muscles go away. I don't want to take anymore medications, I was thinking about yoga. I have tried it in the past, but not since I have been sick.

What I am wondering is if anyone practices and if it has worked to help their pain? In the past I did Bikram yoga, but the studios by me now don't have that as an option.

thanks for any advice you might have, Erin

[Mootie]

Dear Erin,

I am a newbie at Yoga, had only 7 lessons. I am doing Hatha Yoga and each session is 90 minutes long. Sometimes I have to push myself to go but I don't ever regret it. Yoga is an all over body workout and I feel more flexible after each lesson.

It has helped me mentally as well so this is a plus. My Drs recommended to me that I do something else aside from walking. I sleep much better on the day that I have been to a lesson.

You might want to mention it to you Dr but I am sure that he will agree that yoga will bring you many benefits.


Mootie

[raggedyann1]

Erin,

I haven't tried yoga but I did go the the heated pool exercise class that the Arthritis Foundation puts on and it was extremely helpful. Unfortunately I am now hypersenstive to chlorine and can no longer attend.

My other question is how many anti-inflammatories have you tried? Sometimes what works for one doesn't work for the next. So perhaps a different anti-inflamm in addition to yoga might really help you. Just a thought.

Take care,
Karen

[alobreto]

My pain doctor suggested yoga to help with flexibility, so I signed up a couple of months ago. I am by far the stiffest student in my class, but haven't let that stop me. I go 3 times a week for an hour each time and it's a total body stretching workout that leaves my low back feeling much better. Some other places feel worse, but I find that I have more joint range in those areas the next day.

I got a MedScape Continuing Ed article last week that related a study on chronic low back pain and yoga that was interesting. The study group was divided into 3 groups- yoga 3 times a week, physical therapy 3 times a week, and treatment with antiinflammatory meds only.

The study was over a 6 week period. There was less pain and more mobility in the yoga group than in the other groups. The physical therapy group came in second. I don't recall the exact figures.

Yes. Many days it's hard to go, but it's always worth it.
Angela style_emoticons/<#EMO_DIR#>/flowers.gif

[deberinpol]

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Thank you Angela, Mootie and Karen for your responces. I think I am going to give it a try. I will be careful to not over do it. I am going to wait for a real good day, Hopefully that will come soon, and give it a try. There is studio not to far from me that has one on one sessions with the yoga instructor. Maybe if I went that route, she/he could do positions and stretches that won't hurt me!

I let you know how it goes! Thanks again for all your advice!

Have a good day! style_emoticons/<#EMO_DIR#>/biggrin.gif Erin

[Vida]

style_emoticons/<#EMO_DIR#>/jump.gif hi

i have done yoga in the past and it does work although i did it a home (with no one watching!!) style_emoticons/<#EMO_DIR#>/blink.gif and took it very slowly - i found it really beneficial for one thing it boosted my energy levels and i am planning to start again.

i have tried yoga for ME tapes in the past these exercises are done lying down but the benefits are the same - thought it could be something you could think about trying.

style_emoticons/<#EMO_DIR#>/flowers.gif style_emoticons/<#EMO_DIR#>/flowers.gif