In my last blog entry, I talked about the many benefits of yoga.  I can hardly think of anyone who would not benefit from learning some yoga techniques and incorporating them in their everyday lives and their workouts.  This seems especially true for individuals with certain orthopedic or musculoskeletal issues.

Yoga is a low-impact, joint-friendly activity.  It is no surprise to me that scientific studies have shown that yoga can improve function and/or decrease pain in individuals with the following orthopedic conditions:

• Arthritis.  Individuals who suffer with arthritis pain will find that mobility improves as does pain and stiffness in those worn joints.  I believe it is due to the gentle stretching as well as the rhythmic low impact movement patterns which can enhance joint lubrication and nourishment.
  
  
• Carpal tunnel syndrome.  Many of the upper body, forearm, hand and wrist stretches improve the "pinched nerve" symptoms in carpal tunnel syndrome.  Many physical therapists and occupational therapists have incorporated yoga stretches into the prevention and treatment programs for individuals with this ailment.
  
  
• Tennis elbow and golfer's elbow.  As with carpal tunnel syndrome, yoga positions and stretches can help these tendon related problems- and probably many others.
  
  
• Back pain.  Low back pain is so common in our modern society.  Yoga helps by improving mobility and flexibility in the spine as well as in the surrounding pelvic and thigh region all of which improves low back function.  It also improves core strength, something essential for a healthy back.  Stress is a common issue in chronic low back sufferers and yoga, through its stress reduction and relaxation capabilities, helps in this regard as well.
  
  
• Fall prevention.  When individuals fall, especially the elderly, bad things happen including serious fractures.  As we age, balance and strength often decline leaving us vulnerable. Yoga routines, by enhancing balance and agility, can prevent falls in those who are susceptible.

There are many other bone and joint problems that yoga can help.  A word of caution however: If you have orthopedic problems, check with your orthopedic surgeon or treating physician (or other health care provider) about taking up yoga.   Also, you will need to find an instructor who is both interested in, and has experience with, working with your particular ailment.  Not all yoga classes (or instructors) are created equal.  The more experienced, advanced teachers will more likely be skilled at modifying your routine if you have a musculoskeletal problem.  If you have bone and joint problems and try to do the same yoga routines as everyone in the class, you are likely to get into trouble.