A research update landed in my inbox recently:
Knee OA Pain? Yoga, Strengthening Exercises May Help Equally
The research suggests, as the title implies, that for painful knee arthritis Yoga is as effective as strengthening exercises – the latter sis often suggested for knee pain.
The research suggests that Yoga may be marginally better than strengthening exercises, and yoga also gives improvements in quality of life and physical performance. However, “adverse events” – strains and aches I’d imagine – were slightly higher in the Yoga group, but none of them serious.
One key thing in the headline is “may” – some people take to yoga, some don’t. Some people take to strengthening exercises, some don’t.
Not really covered in this report is the psychological effects of yoga – notably tress reduction, mood improvement and improved regulation – which matter a great deal in pain conditions. This would add to the beneift of Yoga.
The takeaway though is that for a first line treatment for Knee arthritis, yoga is well placed to help.
