Yoga, an ancient practice that focuses on channeling good energy to different parts of the body by engaging in various poses, has become more and more popular over the years. The number of people who take part in this kind of workout routine has increased steadily over the years.
Common Injuries in Yoga and How to Avoid Them
Unfortunately, so does the number of people who suffer injuries from this kind of exercise. If you are not careful, transitioning between different yoga poses will take a toll on your body.
For this reason, you should see to it that you know everything about yoga practice and safety before you personally try out this workout routine. Here are some of the most common injuries that people experience when they do yoga, along with helpful tips as to how you can avoid them. Peruse through them and see to it that you keep yourself protected from these injuries when you do your poses.
Separation of Lower Back Ligaments
This kind of yoga injury is common among those who practice yoga, especially among those who try out complicated poses that are well beyond their level of expertise. Most of the time, injury that involves misalignment of lower back ligaments and of the SI join is experienced by those who try to straighten their legs without releasing the pressure on their hamstrings.
One surefire way to avoid this injury is to ensure that the different muscles in your legs are softened and relaxed prior to attempting a straight-leg pose. A couple of breaths in and out and a clear mind will give you the relaxation that you need to achieve the pose without hurting yourself. If you find that the pose is simply too hard for you, then you may cheat by bending your knees a little. Also avoid digging your hills too much into your yoga mat to avoid unnecessary pain.
Shoulder Pain and Strain
Those who focus on their arms and upper body by performing arm balance poses are prone to experiencing shoulder injuries. This kind of injury often results from uneven pressure all over the body. While it may seem that this kind of pose requires focus on the arms and shoulders, it is anything but that. Yogis who think this way will surely experience pain on their upper parts.
To avoid this injury, make sure that you observe and maintain proper body alignment as you do your poses. Also make sure that you use your back and your thighs to hold your pose. This way, you will be able to ensure that your shoulders and arms are not the only parts that are experiencing the pressure.
Twisting of Inter-Coastal Muscles
Yoga practitioners are prone to tearing their inter-coastal muscles, which are the muscles that are located between the ribs. Usually, this kind of injury is sustained from twisting poses. Those who suffer from this kind of injury are usually those who try to do their twists without maintaining the right posture.
To avoid this king of injury, see to it that you maintain the right and the best-aligned posture as you twist your body in both directions. See to it that you also do not overexert yourself and only twist your body as far as you can, to avoid exerting unnecessary pressure on your rib muscles.