Dancing Is A Great Arthritis Pain Relief Option

Rheumatoid arthritis, osteoarthritis and other types of arthritis are very common diseases associated with aging, and it is estimated that at the moment, every one of three people over 65 suffers from this disease. Being overweight is one of the main risk factors for this disease, and according to the latest estimations, the prevalence of arthritis among overweight people over 50 has reached 30 percent. In today’s United Kingdom, arthritis is a leading cause of disability in aging people, and there are more that 8.5 Britons are affected by rheumatoid arthritis or osteoarthritis. Since it is linked to lots of pain and discomfort, all of those who suffer from it are in constant search for arthritis pain relief like muscle pain relief or knee pain relief. Certainly, researchers around the world are trying to do everything possible to help alleviate pains and somehow improve the condition of arthritis sufferers.

There is some good news for everyone in need for a good arthritis pain relief. According to the findings of a recent study presented in October 2012 at the annual meeting of American College of Rheumatology/Association of Rheumatology Health Professionals, such physical activities as dancing, yoga, or Pilates can work great for relieving pain in those who suffer from arthritis and osteoarthritis. Even slow waltzing around the room for 15-20 minutes two-three times a week can make miracles for all patients with arthritis, along with short sessions of yoga or Pilates. In order to come to these conclusions, an expert team of American researchers at the Hospital for Special Surgery in New York City conducted a series of experiments involving 200 arthritis sufferers, and checked out the effects of regular physical exercise as an arthritis pain relief.

The scientists focused on studying arthritis management programs offered by the Hospital for Special Surgery for all the patients with arthritis. It turned out that weekly programs of dance fitness, Pilates, Tai Chi, yoga, and other similar activities helped the participants of the experiment substantially decrease their pains, along with lowering the frequency of painful peaks. Such activities are recommended to be used for muscle pain relief, knee pain relief, and other sorts of arthritis pain relief. As it is reported in the study, such exercises helped the patients achieve more balance, decrease the number of falls, reduce all sorts of arthritis-linked pains, as well as get rid of some of the limits of physical activity for the patients. According to the participants, their life quality and satisfaction has drastically increased after being involved in just a few sessions a week.

‘Pain is a huge factor in quality of life. If we can offer classes that help to reduce pain, that is a good thing,’ said Sandra Goldsmith, a study leader and director of the Public and Patient Education Department. She says that after making measurements of pain intensity (self-reported pain) before the experiment and after it, the researchers were really surprised with the results. This can be said, first of all, regarding pain intensity for muscle and joint pain in the participants with arthritis, according to the survey findings. All the participants reported about the improvements and about the effectiveness of this method for their general activity. It is estimated that over 53 per cent of the participants have reported a considerable improvement in their walking ability, general activity, normal daily physical activity, and so on.

Besides, the researchers managed to measure the effects of exercise like yoga or dancing as arthritis pain relief on other aspects of life like mood, sleep, as well as total enjoyment of life. They found out that approximately the same number of the participants (slightly over 54 per cent) reported that they could enjoy the benefits of a better sleep, improved mood, better attitude to life, etc., as a result of participating in weekly treatment programs. Finally, the number of the participants who reported falling, receiving sustained injuries and requiring hospitalization, has also decreased compared to the pre-test one. Other experts point to more benefits of using the proposed arthritis pain relief technology. It is a low cost approach which requires nothing else but some supervision of a healthy person. The method is going to be proposed for other American hospitals and special medical establishments for elderly with arthritis.

Author Info: Hi! My name is Carla and I am a 5th year medical student at HYMS. I am interested in alternative medicine and I have done months researching the topic of herbal medicine. Besides, I like interviewing people and learning more about their experiences with one or another type of herbal treatments. I am willing to contribute to this site with my knowledge, and I would be happy to help you out to the best of my ability with any specific questions or problems related to alternative medicine.

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