I have an injury. Can I still do yoga?
The short answer to this frequently asked question is YES. Yoga is suitable for everyone and can be a great way to ease back into physical activity when you’re injured. The longer answer is that not every class or every pose will be appropriate for you.
Here are five valuable lessons I learned practising yoga while nursing broken bones and muscular strains, and teaching students with various injuries and limitations:
1. Choose the right class
Yoga has the potential to assist in reducing inflammation and managing chronic pain but choosing the right class is vital. Don’t just choose a class based on the time. Look. No, really, LOOK at the style of class, level and teacher to find the right class for you.
Too often the Vinyasa practice is a playground for a teacher’s creative expression without much focus on the alignment and linking of the poses. The practice becomes more about giving a cool and challenging class than making sure students are, first and foremost, safe in their bodies – Brittany Policastro
When it comes to recovery, don’t forget about the importance of rest. Whenever animals in the wild are wounded, they rest. They look for a quiet place and stay there, without moving, eating or drinking for many days. They know it’s the best way for their body to heal. The wisdom of stopping and healing is still alive in the animal kingdom, but we have lost the capacity to rest and relax. Using props to support the body, Restorative Yoga is an opportunity for you to rest, heal and be restored. This is a practice we can ALL benefit from.
2. Tell your teacher
3. Listen to your body
You’ve heard it said but what exactly does it mean?
The more you attune to sensation, the more you explore what is going on in your body, the better able you are to discern what feels wise for YOU at any given moment. Nobody knows your body like you do so give yourself permission to move within a range of motion that feels appropriate for you…not the person next to you. If you are receptive, the body will suggest subtle shifts that can bring about better alignment, greater ease.
If any part of your body is protesting or you experience pain, sharp or shooting sensations, tingling or numbness, back off or come out of the pose. Trust your instincts and listen to your body’s ‘no’. If it doesn’t feel right, don’t do it!
4. Be patient
It may take some time to regain your full range of motion and, in the meantime, it’s likely there will be poses you can’t do. This can be a frustrating (and humbling experience) so be kind to yourself.
5. Take advantage of available props (or bring your own)
Don’t forget that yoga is just one type of movement. There are plenty of other activities that can assist with prevention, management and rehabilitation of new or old injuries.
We want to help you get back to doing the things you love, which is why we created The Reset & Recovery Package.
Designed to help your mind and body heal and recover from injury or childbirth, this package will:
- help reduce pain and discomfort
- enhance your posture
- make daily activities easier to accomplish
- increase your range of movement
- improve flexibility and fitness.
Get in touch to discover how you can get back to doing the things you love sooner!