Yoga and RA?

[Ros23]

After 7 months on methotrexate and steroid injections with very little relief from joint pain in my hands, wrists and feet I am finally starting biological injections on Monday which will be fortnightly. I can’t wait to come off all the drugs I have been taking and really hope the biologicals work for me.

As I work in the health and well-being industry I am going to do a workshop Yoga for RA as I have had to modify my own practice and when I have been really sore I have only been able to practice meditation. Take a look at joining a yoga class ask the teacher to give you modifications when needed. It really helps with the stress of being in pain and helps with sleep.

[Hidden]

I use to do a yoga based class loved it but gave up before diagnosis because it became harder and harder I just couldn’t do it ( know why now) any more. Tried to go back but although my instructor was lovely her class was based around more able bodied and I found I missed out more more moves because I couldn’t adapt them. Would love an RA based class but I haven’t found one and I can’t afford a one on one instructor.

[helixhelix]

I found yoga too hard, so go to a Pilates class now that is great. Wonderful teacher who adapts exercises for some of us wonky people.

I wouldn’t be without it, so maybe you should try a different teacher J1707 as a good teacher should be able to manage a class with different abilitie?

[Hidden in reply to helixhelix]

Yes your right. I’m a member of a local health club. When my membership runs out I’ll look elsewhere can’t afford to pay for 2 🙄 less working hours less money 🙄🙄

[Agoodlife]

I had these early signs of RA. Never took any RA meds. They came and went and needed no pain meds. And they got no worse.

[Lolabridge]

I did Pilates regularly for 15 years until RA hit me. Have not been able to stand for long or kneel at all for 18 months so gave it up. However I did find the only way to get up from the floor was by doing “down dog” position!!

Now I’m much improved I really must start basic Pilates (with modifications) again. No chance of 🧘‍♀️ Lotus again yet though!

[Katie-Mag]

Good luck with the biologics Ros.

I’m fortunately able to enjoy yoga again now (treatment largely working!) really love a restorative yoga class too. Specific yoga for R.A. would be great though. Don’t suppose your workshops will be in the nw of England?

[Angjoplin]

I used to love pilates. I gave it up last year. I felt I was holding up the whole class and the teacher didn't really want me there. Would love it if someone did a limited mobility class.

[KittyJ in reply to Angjoplin]

Me too Angjoplin, I gave up a long time ago for the same reason. I was really having a one to one session because the teacher was having to spend so much time giving me different things to do. I am thinking of asking an older persons group to allow me to join in their classes as I think it may be more tailored to my (dis)abilities.

[oldtimer]

It might be worth asking an organisation like The Wheel of Yoga (which is a training organisation) if there are any Yoga teachers who have done special training in adapting postures for disabilities. I have a yoga teacher who has done extra training and has been very helpful. She worked out a practice routine for me when I am having a good day, a moderate day and a bad day (mainly breathing exercise for the last!).

[GranAmie]

yes, been thinking about it for ages; just cdn't face the struggle to get up off the floor / mat..

[Hidden in reply to GranAmie]

😂😂I know what you mean nothing elegant about it

[Shalf]

Hi Ros, I practiced ashtanga yoga every day except full moon days!

It was a dynamic practice and I know there are less strenuous one's. I did love it though and RA has brought that to an end. I still do stretches as much as I can at home and the gym/swimming too. I found yoga to be amazing for strength and the meditation part excellent.

Wishing you all the best with your workshop. x

[medway-lady]

MY DIL teaches yoga on land and paddle boards, with the 3 month baby on board now too. She is qualified to teach yoga to people with medical conditions so for anyone going to do yoga make sure the teacher is properly qualified please.

[sunnyweek]

There is chair yoga available. I've not been yet but rang the teacher.

She said definitely suitable for someone like me, I am unable to sit on the floor.

[Winnie53]

Oh how I would love to do yoga but plates even more so. I tried a plates class and explained that I couldn't get down onto the floor. I was told that I'd be given adapted exercises but in actual fact the tutor was trying to wing it and I was left like a lemon for most of the session. I gave it a few weeks but it was so disappointing and humiliating that I gave up. I'm sure there must be suitable classes out there I've just never found one!

[RA22345]

I was managing a gentle yoga class until late last year. It was just the right level, with focus on breathing, relaxation, stretching and basic flows. Would recommend for those with moderately controlled RA. However I am unable to at the moment as waiting for hip replacement. Hope to get back to it though.