Suffering from joint pain can be a major impediment on a persons lifestyle. Joint pain can be caused by long term strenuous activity, arthritis, aging, and stress. One of the most valuable ways a person can improve joint pain and not have it hinder their everyday life is through low impact exercise and daily stretching.
If you’re looking to support your joint pain, considering a regular yoga routine may help improve symptoms alongside medical care.
What you might expect at a yoga for joint pain practice:
- Yin yoga would be recommended for the best possible treatment for joint pain.
- Yin yoga is a practice where the yogi holds deep postures for up to 5 minutes at a time. The point of yin yoga is to stretch and target both the deep connective tissues between the muscles, and the fascia throughout the body. Practicing static poses is a safer way to apply stress to joints.
- Benefits of yin yoga include, increased flexibility, circulation, concentration, improved mobility in body/joints, improved health of tissues, fascia, and joints, decreased anxiety/stress.
- If yin yoga is not the type of class being held for joint pain, your instructor may guide you through a slow flow that supports alignment, tends to muscle and joint pain, and aims to prevent stress on other sensitive muscles and joints.
How to prepare for yoga for joint pain practice:
- get the “okay” from your doctor to practice yoga
- Inform your instructor where you experience the most joint pain. You should include your limitations and what you are eager to focus on during class.
- Hydrate before your practice to lubricate muscles and joints
- Have your yoga props handy to assist you in poses and stretches
Learn more about yoga classes here!
