Dr. Devi Prasad Shetty, renowned cardiologist and founder of Narayana Health India, has shared how practicing yoga transformed his knee health, allowing him to regain strength and stay active without discomfort. Knee pain, a common issue caused by factors such as long commutes, poor posture, excess weight, or sports injuries, can persist for years and significantly affect quality of life.
Dr. Shetty revealed in a recent podcast with MyGov that his knee pain began around the age of 55. Following his wife’s advice, he started practicing yoga, and within just a few months, the pain completely disappeared. Reflecting on his recovery, he noted, “Today, if you ask me whether it was my right knee or left knee, I have forgotten. I practice yoga every other day, and I can stand for long hours during surgeries without discomfort, far beyond the stamina of my younger assistants.”
Despite having a history of fitness in his youth, including bodybuilding and martial arts, knee issues still developed later in life. Yoga, however, provided a simple, natural, and effective solution. Dr. Shetty emphasizes yoga as a powerful tool for maintaining joint health, flexibility, and endurance, making it accessible and beneficial for people of all ages.
Research supports the benefits of yoga for knee health. A 2018 study in Frontiers in Psychiatry found that a one-week integrated yoga therapy program (IAYT) significantly improved physical and functional outcomes for individuals with knee osteoarthritis. Participants in the yoga group showed improved knee flexion and extension, enhanced handgrip strength, and faster mobility in the Timed Up and Go test compared to the control group.
Dr. Shetty’s experience, combined with scientific evidence, highlights yoga as an effective, affordable, and holistic approach for managing knee pain and osteoarthritis, promoting both physical wellbeing and long-term joint health.