Asanas for shoulder tendonitis

Yoga Discussion General Yoga
#1

Hi there,

I have a recurring case of tendonitis in my right shoulder (I am right handed). I have seen a doctor who prescribed anti-inflammatories which made the pain go away, but as soon as the course is finished the pain comes back.

I practice Sivananda yoga doing some asanas most days and go to a full class at least once a week. I can do all postures, though there is some stiffness. I wonder if anyone can recommend additional postures that would strengthen the muscles in the shoulder and around the rotator cuff especially. My doctor has said that exercise and yoga does not need to be avoided.

I am 30 years old, normal weight, quite active and a vegetarian.

#2

JenW,

Just look at different asanas that promote shoulder mobility and strength. Google it. let us know if you can’t see anything online and the yogaforum community will be glad to offer you some

#3

Hi Jen,

I’m glad you have a health care professional you have chosen and trust. It is best to follow that person’s advice for as long as you find it sound.

In speaking to my students about this…

"itis requires rest. It is an issue of repetitive movement agitating connective tissue (in this case your tendon). When we practice asana (or another physical movement) and do so without proper instruction or application of muscle use, the load shifts from the primary support (muscle) to a secondary support (tendons and ligaments). Adding repetition to that is a formula for tendinitis.

A shift in diet toward those things which inhibit inflammation is advised (ask your teacher). This is the point where I, as a teacher of yoga, should be able to give you sound, comprehensive direction in how to live your practice and do so toward well being.

As you are doing that please also avoid repetition especially in poses that bear weight on the upper extremities - Phalakasana (adho mukha dandasana), Bhujangasana, Urdhva Mukha Svanasana, Vasisthasana, Chaturanga, Adho Mukha Vrksasana, Pincha Mayurasana, and perhaps even Marjarasana and Adho Mukha Svanasana.

As you come out of this, make certain you review the work of the serratus anterior so that as you reconnect with these poses mentioned above (as well as Sirsasana) you are securing the humerus in the shoulder joint."

However Jen I have no idea how the teachers in your lineage address such things so it is best to have this discourse with them.

gordon

#4

[QUOTE=InnerAthlete;52952]Hi Jen,

I’m glad you have a health care professional you have chosen and trust. It is best to follow that person’s advice for as long as you find it sound.

In speaking to my students about this…

"itis requires rest. It is an issue of repetitive movement agitating connective tissue (in this case your tendon). When we practice asana (or another physical movement) and do so without proper instruction or application of muscle use, the load shifts from the primary support (muscle) to a secondary support (tendons and ligaments). Adding repetition to that is a formula for tendinitis.

[B]A shift in diet toward those things which inhibit inflammation is advised[/B] (ask your teacher). This is the point where I, as a teacher of yoga, should be able to give you sound, comprehensive direction in how to live your practice and do so toward well being.

As you are doing that please also avoid repetition especially in poses that bear weight on the upper extremities - Phalakasana (adho mukha dandasana), Bhujangasana, Urdhva Mukha Svanasana, Vasisthasana, Chaturanga, Adho Mukha Vrksasana, Pincha Mayurasana, and perhaps even Marjarasana and Adho Mukha Svanasana.

As you come out of this, make certain you review the work of the serratus anterior so that as you reconnect with these poses mentioned above (as well as Sirsasana) you are securing the humerus in the shoulder joint."

However Jen I have no idea how the teachers in your lineage address such things so it is best to have this discourse with them.

gordon[/QUOTE]

and not just diet per se as in food but all encompassing.

Drink. Smoke. etc…

intake

#5

Dood, you take all the subtlety out with just one click.

#6

[QUOTE=InnerAthlete;52990]Dood, you take all the subtlety out with just one click.[/QUOTE]

Sorry.

but on topic.

also . . .

If the practitioner is capable of sustained placement of awareness on the area in question - this can be a boon…

ahem…

#7

Indeed but perhaps ONLY the bold sentence was needed and perhaps in 14 point.