Do you have knee pain? Many people suffer from chronic knee or joint pain from arthritis, osteoarthritis, or simply strain from everyday life. Fortunately, yoga exercises are a proven remedy, although they can seem daunting for beginners. When you’re doing yoga, it’s important to do the poses with the correct form. Practising with a cautious pace will help you get positive results.
What Are The Common Triggers Of Knee Pain?
Chronic knee pain is on the rise. Strangely enough, the issue often isn’t with the knee itself. As it’s a joint, it’s affected by the muscles which surround it, including the quads, hamstrings as well as calves. The knee never acts in isolation owing to the way the soft structure of the cartilage is designed.
Other frequent culprits of knee pain include injury to a ligament (such as a torn ACL), weak quads or hamstrings, or – alternatively – a chronic condition like tendinitis. Another option is to blame your job: Sitting at a desk all day may create imbalances in your body by weakening your glutes, Miller says. It’s best that you see a doctor or physical therapist in order to find out what’s triggering your particular pain.
What Are The Benefits Of Yoga For Knee Pain?
On the bright side, a number of specific yoga poses can assist with providing relief.. Studies show that individuals with knee pain are able to get some much-needed relief by practising yoga a couple of times a week.
In 2013, for instance, researchers worked with 30 women who suffered from knee osteoarthritis. Half were assigned to an eight-week yoga programme. By the end of the research study, their pain as well as symptoms had decreased more than those of the control group. In addition, they had a better total quality of life.
One study is wonderful, but how about six?
A 2016 review looked at six studies about the effects of yoga on osteoarthritis. In these studies, individuals experienced pain relief and functional improvements as early as two weeks after regularly getting on the mat. The researchers reached the conclusion that yoga could be a medication-free means of alleviating pain and improving mobility.
Other more recent studies have demonstrated similar results, placing yoga among the best natural knee pain relief methods, along with tai chi as well as massage therapy.
While this is exciting news, also some research has found that certain yoga poses (particularly single-leg balances) can be stressful on the knees. Conversely, squatting and lunging postures can improve leg strength as well as minimise knee adduction — the inward movement of the knees that’s linked to osteoarthritis.
Triangle Pose
A weak vastus medialis (which is the inner part of the quadriceps) as well as vastus lateralis (the outer part of the quadriceps) may cause injury. To assist with preventing it, the triangle pose in yoga will stretch as well as bolster your inner thigh muscles.
The triangle pose is performed by stepping your feet out at a wide stance to make sure they are parallel with your back, with your right foot being turned at a 90-degree angle and parallel with the horizontal edge of the mat. Your right knee needs to be bent in line with your hip and ankle. Both of feet should be rested as your right leg straightens in order to engage your inner quad and thighs.
Peaceful Warrior Pose
Step your right foot forwards with your toes pointing straight. Turn your left toes at 45 degrees to the side and then extend your arms out with your palms facing up. Curve your right knee at a 90-degree angle, keeping it in line with your ankle.
Put the back of your left hand on your left leg and then arch back, reaching your right arm overhead and toward the back of your mat, gazing toward the ceiling.
This asana activates and strengthens the glutes, quads as well as hamstrings. These are all muscles that help keep the knee in good shape.
Supported Half Moon Pose
The Supported Half Moon Pose is also termed the Ardha Chandrasana. This balancing asana is beneficial in terms of building strength in the muscles which support your knee. The initial step is to find an empty wall – as well as a block – for support. Then, stand with your back up against the wall and rotate your right foot. Make sure that the bottom of your foot is parallel to the wall. After that, put the block in your right hand, then bend your right knee. Shift your weight so that you are balancing on your right leg.
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