In the Western world, yoga generally is accepted as a popular and useful alternative therapeutic treatment for muskuloskeletal disorders and pain. However, the word "yoga," a Sanskrit word that means "to unite" does not refer simply to the asanas--the physical poses and postures people normally associate with the discipline. It is the combination of asanas with meditation that comprise the complete practice of yoga. Hence, the marriage of these disciplines apparently are responsible for the pain-alleviating effects of the practice.
History
Writings about Yoga first appeared in Hindu texts near 200 B.C. as "yoga sutras." Yoga originally was performed to prepare the body and mind for meditation in hopes of reaching enlightenment. About 1,800 years later, its popularity in the United States is surging as its benefits are realized. Evidence of yoga postures were found on artifacts as early as 3,000 B.C. The practice also is referred to in the ancient text Rig-Veda, a composition of hymns.
Significance
The Orthopedic Physical Therapy Clinics of North America published an article "Incorporating Yoga Therapeutics into Orthopedic Physical Therapy," whereby the practice of yoga's physical and meditative disciplines were reviewed and shown to be effective as therapeutic methods of treatment in orthopedic physical therapy. Orthopedics is the branch of medical science concerned with disorders of the spine and joints including the hip. Yoga's ability to strengthen both the muscles and bones engaged in postures can be a significant therapy for hip pain. "Yoga in Modern India:
The Body between Science and Philosophy" by Joseph S. Alter is an in-depth study of yoga's history and emergence in Western culture that is useful for further study.
Types
Hatha yoga, is the basis of most styles practiced in the Western world. From Hatha's basic postures, students are taught different variations and techniques according to their preferences. Many students experiencing hip pain have credited the Bikram, or hot yoga, style of practice for alleviating their pain entirely. Paula Mickler, a 49-year-old registered nurse, had suffered form bilateral hip dysplasia since childhood. When faced with hip replacement surgery as her only option for relief, she began practicing Bikram yoga and found that her pain was eliminated entirely. Mickler's doctor noticed that her joints appeared to have stopped deteriorating. Mickler said the Bikram style of yoga, performed in a room heated to at least 100 degrees, allowed her to enter stretching in the yoga postures more deeply than she was able to before.
Benefits
Hip pain often is caused by degenerative muskuloskeletal disease, stress fractures and the like. The joint opening and strengthening effects of yoga postures serve to support the joint and often offer relief. The journal "Alternative Therapies" published a study on Hatha yoga and low back pain that noted practicing yoga helps patients experiencing muskuloskeletal pain by "focusing on the control of voluntary nervous system and muscle functions using a series of postures that leads to a state of relaxation."
Misconceptions
Yoga often is misconceived as a metaphysical practice. On the contrary, evidence has shown the tangible practice of asanas and meditation possibly are responsible for relieving hip and joint pain. Yoga's deep stretching, muscle endurance and physical postures allow for improved strength and flexibility. Further studies, such as one published in the "Journal of Complementary and Integrative Medicine," confirm that "Physical systems activated through yoga practice include musculoskeletal, cardiopulmonary, autonomic nervous system and endocrine functioning. Psychological benefits include enhanced coping, self-efficacy and positive mood. Spiritual mechanisms that can be understood within a Western medical model include acceptance and mindful awareness."
References
- The Pioneer: Bikram Yoga helps teacher avoid hip replacement surgery
- Alternative Therapies: Hatha yoga and low back pain
- "Journal of Complementary and Integrative Medicine;" Using the Biopsychosocial Model to Understand the Health Benefits of Yoga; Subhadra Evans, Jennie CI Tsao, Beth Sternlieb, Lonnie K. Zeltzer; April 2009
