Yoga has emerged as an effective complement to strengthening exercises for managing knee osteoarthritis, according to a recent study published in JAMA Network Open, as reported by The Times of India. Healthcare practitioners may consider incorporating yoga as a viable alternative or supplementary exercise regimen in their treatment protocols for knee osteoarthritis patients.
As per the report, Medical professionals have acknowledged yoga's potential as a valuable component in knee osteoarthritis treatment. Many individuals are seeking pain management solutions that go beyond traditional medication or surgical interventions. As a result, healthcare providers are increasingly recommending yoga as a therapeutic option, particularly for patients who prefer a gentle, holistic approach to managing symptoms.
A randomised clinical trial involving 117 participants from Australia found that both yoga and strengthening exercises led to improvements in knee pain over a 12-week period. The study showed no significant difference in results between the two groups. The findings confirmed that yoga was just as effective as strengthening exercises while providing subtle improvements in knee-related symptoms, quality of life, and depression levels.
Dr. Palash Gupta, director of robotic joint replacement and orthopaedics at Sri Balaji Action Medical Institute, told ToI that from a clinical perspective, both yoga and strengthening exercises produced similar outcomes due to their effects on biomechanics and neurophysiology. These activities promote synovial fluid circulation, which is crucial for nourishing the cartilage. Additionally, they enhance proprioception and neuromuscular coordination, reducing abnormal joint loading patterns that accelerate joint deterioration. The release of endorphins and the psychological benefits of yoga, particularly its meditative aspects, also contribute to pain relief.
Hip and knee osteoarthritis (OA) is the most common chronic rheumatic condition, leading to significant pain and disability worldwide. The condition affects more women than men, and its prevalence increases with age. The Global Burden of Diseases, Injuries and Risk Factors Study 2019 revealed that the number of osteoarthritis cases in India rose significantly from 23.5 million in 1990 to 62.4 million in 2019.
“Studies show that yoga offers a more comprehensive approach than physical exercise alone, addressing mental health, balance, joint mobility, and muscle activation—key factors in treating chronic pain and disability,” Dr. Masooma Rehman, consult physiotherapist at Apollo Spectra Hospital, told ToI.
“While yoga and resistance training are complementary disciplines, they achieve the same physiological goals through different methods. Knee exercises focus on strengthening the quadriceps and hamstrings to reduce joint pressure by strengthening the supporting muscles. Yoga achieves similar results through controlled transitions between postures, held positions, and sustained asanas that target the same muscle groups,” he explained. “Additionally, yoga incorporates breathing exercises and meditation practices that enhance pain management while reducing stress-induced inflammation.”
Dr. Deepak Kumar Mishra, director and head of orthopaedics unit-I at Asian Hospital, told ToI that yoga’s mind-body connection helps alleviate physical symptoms while supporting mental wellbeing—an essential aspect of managing chronic conditions.
With inputs from ToI
As per the report, Medical professionals have acknowledged yoga's potential as a valuable component in knee osteoarthritis treatment. Many individuals are seeking pain management solutions that go beyond traditional medication or surgical interventions. As a result, healthcare providers are increasingly recommending yoga as a therapeutic option, particularly for patients who prefer a gentle, holistic approach to managing symptoms.
A randomised clinical trial involving 117 participants from Australia found that both yoga and strengthening exercises led to improvements in knee pain over a 12-week period. The study showed no significant difference in results between the two groups. The findings confirmed that yoga was just as effective as strengthening exercises while providing subtle improvements in knee-related symptoms, quality of life, and depression levels.
Dr. Palash Gupta, director of robotic joint replacement and orthopaedics at Sri Balaji Action Medical Institute, told ToI that from a clinical perspective, both yoga and strengthening exercises produced similar outcomes due to their effects on biomechanics and neurophysiology. These activities promote synovial fluid circulation, which is crucial for nourishing the cartilage. Additionally, they enhance proprioception and neuromuscular coordination, reducing abnormal joint loading patterns that accelerate joint deterioration. The release of endorphins and the psychological benefits of yoga, particularly its meditative aspects, also contribute to pain relief.
Hip and knee osteoarthritis (OA) is the most common chronic rheumatic condition, leading to significant pain and disability worldwide. The condition affects more women than men, and its prevalence increases with age. The Global Burden of Diseases, Injuries and Risk Factors Study 2019 revealed that the number of osteoarthritis cases in India rose significantly from 23.5 million in 1990 to 62.4 million in 2019.
“Studies show that yoga offers a more comprehensive approach than physical exercise alone, addressing mental health, balance, joint mobility, and muscle activation—key factors in treating chronic pain and disability,” Dr. Masooma Rehman, consult physiotherapist at Apollo Spectra Hospital, told ToI.
“While yoga and resistance training are complementary disciplines, they achieve the same physiological goals through different methods. Knee exercises focus on strengthening the quadriceps and hamstrings to reduce joint pressure by strengthening the supporting muscles. Yoga achieves similar results through controlled transitions between postures, held positions, and sustained asanas that target the same muscle groups,” he explained. “Additionally, yoga incorporates breathing exercises and meditation practices that enhance pain management while reducing stress-induced inflammation.”
Dr. Deepak Kumar Mishra, director and head of orthopaedics unit-I at Asian Hospital, told ToI that yoga’s mind-body connection helps alleviate physical symptoms while supporting mental wellbeing—an essential aspect of managing chronic conditions.
With inputs from ToI
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