2. Battling Arthritis With Activity

Although it's not listed as an actual alternative treatment, a certain clinical assistant professor in the division of rheumatology at the Georgetown University School of Medicine is a strong proponent of exercise as a treatment of arthritis. She is saying for example, that biking adding to the strengthens of the quadriceps muscle above the knee. And the stronger the muscle, the more likely you are to see an improvement in your symptoms.

However Impact-loading activity, on the other hand, such as jogging or high-impact aerobics is not recommended, but more gentle exercise is. Good examples that are encouraged are such as activities as swimming water polo or Bridge. On top of that, there have been evidences that a mind-body practice of yoga may also help arthritis sufferers.

Though there are few studies that look at the effects of yoga on actual arthritis, a study published in 1994 in the British Journal of Rheumatology did find that people with rheumatoid arthritis who participated in a yoga program over a three month period had greater handgrip strength compared with those who did not practice yoga.

At the same year, another study published in the Journal of Rheumatology reported that arthritis sufferers who practiced yoga or used magnetic bracelets showed a significant improvement in pain reduction, tenderness, and finger range of motion for osteoarthritis of the hands.

Acupuncture is another possibility; But it is magnetic therapy that has been studied extensively. The researcher says that as far as we know it doesn't change the course of the illness. But it can be helpful in managing pain and reducing stress associated with living with the painful chronic condition.

(Back to main article)