March 28, 2024

Arthritis sufferers find comfort in yoga

After being diagnosed with arthritis at 22, yoga instructor Cielo English was thrilled to participate in Sunday’s Power of Movement, showing no signs of pain.

“(In the past) I had no mobility in my arm at all,” said the yoga instructor, who was among the 100 yoga enthusiasts at the Creekside Community Recreation Centre. 

“I was told the only way (my mobility) was going to improve was to have shoulder-replacement surgery.”

English was given the diagnosis 18 years ago but opted out of the surgery. She has been raising a family along with running a yoga practice for the past 16 years, nearly pain-free.

“I was alone. At that point nobody even talked about (arthritis) or knew much about it. That’s why this event is so important.”

Susanne Mueller, Vancouver’s Power of Movement organizer, believes arthritis awareness ensures people don’t suffer alone. “It’s all about getting a community together for a good cause.”

This year, Vancouver participants raised $ 9,010 towards the Arthritis Research Foundation.

The event is Canada’s largest yoga fundraiser for arthritis research. Participants in more than 22 communities across Canada took part in 2012’s event. Now in its sixth year, volunteers have raised more than $ 1 million.

Local news from metronews.ca/vancouver

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