Arm pain in wheel pose

Yoga Discussion General Yoga
#1

I have been practicing for about 3.5 years. I’ve only recently (in the past 4 months or so) gotten to the point where I can hold wheel pose for any length of time (probably about 30-45 seconds at this point). However it gives me fairly intense pain in both arms to do so. The pain is along the outer edges of my biceps, possibly not muscular though – I can’t really tell. I only feel it while I’m in the pose. It starts as soon as I hoist myself up there and ends immediately after I come down.

Does anyone else experience this? Is there anything I can do about it? Or will it perhaps go away on its own in time? Thanks for any advice/info.

#2

I can’t asses your issue with what little information you provide (and frankly it’s very tough with a robust verbal picture). However might I suggest a foam brick held between your elbows (crosswise of course) in your setup for Urdhva Dhanurasana. If you cannot come up while maintaining the hold on the brick you are likely allowing your shoulders to move “out of joint”. And while the pain you allude to may not stem from this, per se, it is best to work from gross to fine by getting at this first.

#3

afa,
Check your hand position. While still lying on the floor, your fingers should be tucked under your shoulders, pointed toward your feet, elbows together. Try first coming to an intermediate stage position, bringing the forehead to the floor (with inhalation). Take a few breaths there in preparation. With inhalation, focus on straightening the elbows and lengthen the armpits. KEEP BREATHING.

let us know how it turns out.
siva

#4

Keep in mind that your triceps are supporting a lot of the weight, so it’s very important that your arms, shoulders and wrists in aligned. Gordon’s suggestion will do just that.