Written by Stasa Misic
In this part of the ongoing series of Stasa’s Reminders, she shares advice on the traditional yogic approach to the treatment, rehabilitation, and prehabilitation of knees. This is particularly relevant for people living a modern, desk-ridden, physically imbalanced lifestyle, as knee problems are common in such cases.
There can be various reasons for knee pain, including:
- Overuse or repetitive stress, such as running or jumping, without proper conditioning or rest.
- Certain medical conditions like rheumatoid arthritis, gout, tendinitis, or bursitis.
- Osteoarthritis – a common type of arthritis that occurs due to wear and tear on the joints, including the knees.
- Certain medical conditions like rheumatoid arthritis, gout, tendinitis, or bursitis.
- Obesity, improper biomechanics, or muscle imbalances that can contribute to knee discomfort.
Yoga can be beneficial for your knees if practiced safely and mindfully. It can help your knees in several ways:
- Improving your alignment and posture – by enhancing your awareness and alignment of your entire body, which reduces strain on your knees.
- Strengthening your muscles – by strengthening your quadriceps, hamstrings, calves, and glutes, which support and stabilize your knees.
- Increasing your flexibility – tight muscles can contribute to knee pain by limiting your range of motion and creating friction in the joint. Stretching and lengthening your muscles can improve mobility and reduce inflammation.
- Reducing stress and inflammation – stress can cause tension and inflammation in your body, exacerbating knee pain. Relaxing and calming your nervous system can lower stress levels and promote healing.
It’s important to note that the effectiveness of yoga for knee problems may vary depending on the specific condition and severity of the issue. If you have a serious knee injury or chronic knee pain, it’s best to consult with a healthcare professional or a qualified yoga instructor who can provide guidance tailored to your individual needs.
There are several things you can do to maintain a healthy lifestyle for your knees, such as:
- Maintaining a healthy weight.
- Engaging in regular physical activity to maintain joint function.
- Strengthening the muscles that support your knees.
- Choosing the right shoes.
- Participating in low-impact exercises like cycling or swimming, as well as certain yoga postures that can protect the cartilage in your knees.
It’s important to listen to your knee pain and seek medical attention if you have a swollen knee.
Here are some yoga poses that can help improve your knee health:
