Anatomy & Physiology of Injury & Recovery

Question 1

Name some of the most common causes for Yoga injury.

Answer 1

Practicing without awareness, over-stretching, lack of practice prior to challenging asanas, not enough limbering, poor verbal and visual instruction, not enough knowledge of the asana, students practicing with acute injury, overworking muscles, ego.

Question 2

What are some anatomical cautions which can prevent injury in Yoga? (think general, not asana specific)

Answer 2

Bandhas engaged, we never round the spine forward & always hinge at the pelvis, practicing and building up stamina before moving into advanced asanas, practicing with breath cue to each movement.

Question 3

Name some physiological precautions for Yoga.

Answer 3

Practicing on a full stomach or early morning after a heavy meal the night before can cause nausea, strong twists should be avoided for people with high blood pressure, no closed twists during pregnancy, students should be well hydrated prior to class, people with lung conditions should avoid high temperature practicing, persons with low blood pressure need to come from forward folds slowly and may choose not to fold completely, anyone with sinusitis should not hold inversions for long, strong twists are contraindicated for IBD sufferers, someone with endometriosis should never practice inversions, anyone with glaucoma or eye injury should avoid inversions or asana which increase cardiac hypertension.

Question 4

What is the difference between chronic and acute illness/injury?

Answer 4

Acute pain refers to pain which has come on suddenly, can be sharp pain and can include burns, cuts, infections, or other physical injury which is present for no more than 6 months. Chronic pain is beyond the 6 month period of continuous lingering pain.