Behind Left Knee

Yoga Discussion General Yoga
#1

Dear Mukunda,

Thank you for your knowledge offering and availability through this forum.

Last year I injured my left knee by entering an Ashtanga yoga practice too quickly. I have understood this result as effect of my attitude and so have practiced only slow Surya Namaskara A/B since then with focus on breath and alignment. This has improved the knee condition somewhat.

To describe the injury: in Janu Sirsasana A, I can bring my left heel/foot into the right thigh, but cannot lower my left knee to the floor. There is pain behind the knee and a little to the left if I try to do so. It’s about 1.5" off the floor.

I have purchased your SYT book as reference, but am new to anatomy and its terms. From my description, can you tell me what part of the body I have injured and suggest any exercises/asanas I may practice to loosen the condition?

Namaste,
Ray

#2

Additional info: a month before the left knee pain appeared, I strained my left hamstring in Parsvottanasana. Also, a few weeks before I was given the finishing postures, in particular Urdhva Padmasana. I recall bringing my right foot onto my left thigh naturally, but then pulling my left leg down to put the left foot onto the right thigh. Perhaps this daily torsional movement contributed as well? Thank you. Namaste.