There’s no shortage of suggestions when it comes to natural treatments for arthritis sufferers. In fact, the Arthritis Foundation reports that two-thirds of people with arthritis have tried an alternative therapy. A lot of natural treatments are bogus, while others have been proven effective with scientific studies to back them up. Here are those worth trying:
YOGA The slow, controlled physical movement of joints during yoga is helpful for arthritis patients. It improves the blood circulation in joints, while removing unwanted toxins and other waste products. A study published in the British Journal of Rheumatology found that people with rheumatoid arthritis who took a yoga program over a three-month period had greater grip strength than those who did not practice yoga. Another study in the Journal of Rheumatology reported that people who practiced yoga showed a significant lessening of pain and tenderness, and an increase in finger range of motion.
TAI CHI This ancient martial arts exercise is not only calming, helping to reduce stress, but recent studies have found that the exercise can improve balance, and offer arthritis pain relief. A study released last fall by researchers at Tufts Medical Center in Boston found that tai chi can specifically lessen the pain and physical impairment of people with severe knee osteoarthritis.
