Yoga combines breathing, meditation, and specific postures to enhance strength, balance, and flexibility.
Psoriatic arthritis is a chronic condition that inflames joints where tendons and ligaments connect to bone, often affecting skin, making movement difficult or painful.
Yoga poses can be modified to accommodate those with psoriatic arthritis.
Modified Yoga Poses
Forward Fold
Stretches the low back, hamstrings, and calves.
Use a chair for support:
Place chair back in front.
Stretch forward with straight knees, using hands on the chair seat or back for support.
Lean on the chair if needed for weight support.
Warrior Pose
Builds leg and core strength.
Use a chair for support:
Stand with feet wide, hands on chair back.
Turn one foot out, bend knee while keeping back straight.
Remove hands from chair and extend arms wide when balanced.
Repeat on the other side.
Tree Pose
Improves balance and strengthens feet.
Use a chair for support:
Face the chair, place one hand on it.
Turn one foot out, bend knee, and place foot on shin or inner thigh (avoid knee).
Try lifting the foot higher and removing hands from the chair gradually.
Considerations
Always consult a doctor before starting a new exercise program, especially with chronic conditions like psoriatic arthritis.
Work with an experienced yoga instructor.
Psoriatic Arthritis and Depression
Psoriatic arthritis is linked to higher rates of depression.
Pain and mobility issues can contribute to emotional struggles.
Treatment options include psychotherapy, antidepressants, and exercise.
Important to distinguish between symptoms of psoriatic arthritis and depression.
Unemployment due to psoriatic arthritis may increase depression risk.
Proper management of PsA can alleviate both physical and emotional symptoms.
Sources
Johns Hopkins Medicine, National Center for Complementary and Integrative Health, The Art of Living Foundation, National Psoriasis Foundation.
Additional Resources
Foods and diets for managing psoriatic arthritis.
Treatment options and management strategies.
Recognizing types and symptoms of psoriatic arthritis.
Connection between psoriasis and psoriatic arthritis.
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