The Benefits of Yoga for Adults with Rheumatoid Arthritis

Rheumatoid arthritis (RA) is a chronic inflammatory autoimmune disease,
characterized by pain, stiffness, swelling and loss of joint function. RA can affect any
joint, but preferentially affects the small joints of the hands and feet. This painful chronic
condition is often accompanied by reduced quality of life, impaired ability to work and
depression due to loss of function.1 RA is a fairly prevalent chronic disease that affects at
least two million adults in the United States (approximately 1% of the population); 75%
are women. The onset of RA can occur at any time but usually presents starting anywhere
after the fourth decade in women (around age 35) and in the fifth decade (around age 45)
in men. Prevalence of RA increases with age in both men and women