by Charlotte Mielziner

Created on: January 31, 2009

There is good news for sufferers of osteoarthritis (OA) of the knees. This chronic, debilitating condition is the most common type of OA and is characterized by pain, stiffness and swelling in the knees, often worse after sitting. It's effects can lead to numerous ailments such as: increased weight gain due to difficulty walking, weakness in the knees and a decreased sense of well-being. It is most common in obese individuals. Standard treatments include non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs, weight control, knee braces and in extreme circumstances, surgery.

A recent study at the University of Pennsylvania School of Medicine put the effectiveness of Iyengar Yoga to the test on a small group of patients diagnosed with osteoarthritis of the knees. Once weekly, the participants attended a 90 minute class in Iyengar Yoga. At the end of the eight week trial, the patients reported greater flexibility, strength, balance, reduced knee pain and decreased negative emotions concerning their condition. Particularly noted was the fact that a majority of the patients were obese and that the authors felt yoga may prove to be highly beneficial as an intervention for overweight patients.

About Iyengar Yoga

Iyengar Yoga is a form of Hatha Yoga created by BKS Iyengar and stresses strength, balance, breathing and the alignment of the body. It allows the use of various props, such as chairs, or blocks to aid balance and straps to facilitate stretching. It can be performed by anyone at any age and level of fitness. Because the body can be supported and balanced by these techniques, beginners can achieve many postures that would otherwise be literally, out of reach.

BKS Iyengar pioneered the practice of Yoga as therapy for a variety of diseases. Using the sequencing of postures and scientific methods, he created a number of programs for ailments both physical and emotional. Conditions such as: high blood pressure, chronic back pain, depression and even auto-immune disorders can benefit from Iyengar Yoga.

Yoga is a whole body and mind experience. It is a philosophy of life, not a religion. Careful attention to detail is paid not only to the asanas, or postures, but also to breathing and how to get into and out of the exercise, thereby decreasing the possibility of injury. It stresses the mindfulness, or awareness of the spirit. The philosophy of yoga stresses working within what you are capable of doing. Pain is considered a sign that the body has already been stressed too far and is to be avoided.

Finding an Instructor

Instructors of Iyengar Yoga go through extensive training in the eight aspects of yoga, the sequencing of the postures and it's therapeutic applcations before certification. Iyengar Yoga certified teachers and institutes can be found the world over. Be sure to check with your physician before undertaking this or any exercise program. For more information, see www.bksiyengar.com for an instructor near you.

Source: Journal of Alternative and Complimentary Medicine, 11, 689-693.

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