Yoga Poses for Arthritis Pain Relief

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By Deborah Wilburn

If you suffer from arthritis, stretching and flexing on a yoga mat may seem like the last thing you’d want to do. But gentle yoga poses may be just what you need to help ease the joint pain that comes with arthritis. In a report published in the Journal of Evidence-Based Complementary & Alternative Medicine, researchers reviewed the results of nine studies conducted between 2010 and 2013. They found that in the majority of the cases, arthritis sufferers who took yoga classes saw benefits such as less pain, swelling, stiffness -- and less stress.

With your doctor’s okay, try this sequence designed to reduce arthritis pain and improve flexibility.

2 / 9 Child's Pose

Child’s Pose is a gentle stretch to warm up your body, especially your lower back. Come down to your hands and knees, then sit back on your hips. Spread your knees wide and bring your toes together so your big toes touch. Sitting on your hips, fold forward, resting your head on the floor. Stretch your arms out in front, or keep them at your sides. Remain in this position as you take several deep breaths.

3 / 9 Cat-Cow

These two poses are especially good for reducing tension in your shoulders and neck. From Child’s Pose, start with your hands and knees on the mat about shoulder-width apart, your shoulders aligned over your wrists. Take a deep breath in and arch your back like a cat, dropping your chin to your chest. Next, exhale and lift your chin as you drop your belly. Repeat two times. Remember to breathe.

4 / 9 Downward Dog

This pose lengthens the spine and helps build strength in the arms and legs. After cat-cow, remain on your hands and knees with your back in a neutral position. Walk your hands forward and press them into the floor. Straighten your knees, allowing your hips to lift so your body forms an inverted V. Lower your heels toward the ground. Hold for several breaths.

5 / 9 Low Lunge

This lunge variation strengthens your quads and glutes and improves balance and concentration. From a standing position, step your right foot forward. Bend your right knee and let your hips ease down. Your knee should be at a right angle over your ankle. Bend your left knee so that it rests on the floor with your foot tucked under. Sweep your arms above your head (if you have a neck, spinal or shoulder injury, rest your hands on the floor.) Hold for one minute, taking several deep breaths. Switch to the other side.

6 / 9 Mountain Pose

This is a calming pose that aids circulation along with your ability to focus. Stand straight with your arms at your sides, palms up, and your heels slightly apart. Lift your toes and spread them apart before placing them back on the floor. Your weight should be evenly balanced between both feet with your legs engaged and knee caps lifted. Hold for one minute, taking several slow breaths.

7 / 9 Warrior II

Standing in Mountain Pose at the front of your mat, take a big step back with your left foot. Keep your right foot pointing straight and turn your left foot so it’s at a 90-degree angle to your right foot. Your heels should align. Exhale as you bend your right leg. Extend your arms to the side at shoulder height, keeping them parallel to the floor. Turn your head to the right, looking straight over your extended right arm. Hold for one minute. Remember to take slow, deep breaths. Repeat with your left foot in front.

8 / 9 Staff Pose

Sit up straight on the floor with your legs extended in front of you and your arms by your sides, palms facing down. If sitting up tall feels difficult, try sitting against a wall or on a folded blanket. Lift your shoulders and roll your shoulder blades back so they touch the wall; your head and lower back should not touch it. Flex your feet, pressing your thighs toward the floor. Take several breaths, slowly inhaling and exhaling. Hold for a minute or more, if you can.

9 / 9 Seated Spinal Twist

Sit up straight with your legs extended in front of you. Bend your right knee and cross your right foot over your left leg. Set your foot flat on the floor. Wrap your left arm around your knee and hug it toward your chest. Place your right hand on the floor behind you for support. Inhale, lengthen your spine and exhale gently, twisting to the right and turning your gaze behind you. Release the pose slowly, turning your head last. Repeat on the other side.

Learn how to maintain your active lifestyle and prevent arthritis pain. Take the assessment.

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Yoga Poses for Arthritis Pain Relief

1 / 9

2 / 9 Child's Pose

3 / 9 Cat-Cow

4 / 9 Downward Dog

5 / 9 Low Lunge

6 / 9 Mountain Pose

7 / 9 Warrior II

8 / 9 Staff Pose