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✅ Clinical Rationale

• Yoga as Adjunct Therapy: Studies show yoga is as effective as traditional muscle-strengthening exercises in reducing knee pain from osteoarthritis.
• Holistic Benefits: Beyond physical relief, yoga improves balance, flexibility, and mental well-being, which are crucial for elderly patients.

🧩 Recommended Yoga Poses

These poses are gentle, low-impact, and physiotherapist-approved for seniors:

Pose Name	Benefits
Urdhva Tadasana	Strengthens leg muscles, improves posture and balance
Vrikshasana (Tree Pose)	Builds thigh and calf strength, enhances knee stability
Setu Bandhasana	Activates hamstrings, glutes, and quads; reduces stress on knees

These poses should be modified based on the patient’s mobility and pain threshold. Props like chairs or walls can be used for support.

🧠 Mindfulness & Breathwork

• Pain Management: Breath awareness and relaxation techniques help reduce pain perception and stress.
• Mental Health: Yoga has been shown to modestly reduce depression and improve quality of life in elderly patients with knee pain.

🩺 Doctor’s Role in Integration

• Assessment First: Evaluate the patient’s joint condition, mobility, and pain level.
• Collaborate with Yoga Therapists: Refer to certified instructors trained in therapeutic yoga for seniors.
• Monitor Progress: Use tools like the WOMAC index or VAS scale to track pain, stiffness, and function over time.
• Combine with Other Modalities: Yoga works best when paired with physical therapy, dietary adjustments, and possibly Ayurvedic treatments like Janu Basti.