Degenerating ligaments

Yoga Discussion General Yoga
#1

Hi Mukunda,

I have found out about this forum through a friend who practices structural yoga therapy. My question might be a little off topic here, but I hope you may have some advice.

I have a friend who has been practicing ashtanga yoga for about 15 years, and has been recently diagnosed with a mild version of a connective tissue disorder called ehler’s-danlos syndrome. It seems that the root of the problem is a missing protein in collagen formation which leads to extremely elastic ligaments & cartilage tissue. One manifestation is extreme flexibility, even double jointedness, which has made the practice of advanced asana fairly easy. It has also led to multiple small horizontal tears in the knee and shoulder ligaments. At this point, arthroscopic surgery, to knit together the ligament tears has been suggested as an option which would lead to recovery & full mobility. However, sometimes the results of such surgery may lead to other complications, and it is an invasive procedure, so I am trying to do research on any dietary, herbal & physical therapy & lifestyle changes that might be effective to slow down, stop, or even reverse some of the damage.

A vegetarian version of glucosamine has now become available, and we will try that, but any additional suggestions or references would be greatly appreciated.

Namaste.

#2

In the past few days, browsing on the internet, I came across something called prolotherapy. It supposedly helps heal arthritic joints and damaged ligaments by injecting dextrose solution into the affected area. It should be stimulating immune response strongly enough that the body actually is jump- started into rebuilding connective tissue.

I am not sure how succesful treatments are, and am doing more research -
if anyone has any experience w/this pls. post

There are a few prolotherapy sites which can be easily found through google, I wouldn’t post links or copy information here, as I’m not sure it is appropriate.

thanks!

#3

Asthanga Yoga practice is more likely to aggravate such conditions of loose ligaments due to the increased pitta that is inherent in this style of yoga. By increasing the body heat it promotes flexibility and in some cases inflammation of the joint tissues. My first recommendation is to do a gentler style of yoga such as Integral or Kripalu or Classical Hatha Yoga.

   David Frawley, a Vedic scholar and author of many excellent books, wrote an article for Yoga International magazine called Hrbs for Enhancing Hatha published March/April 1996.  Among the herbs cited is ashwagandha "which possesses excellent nutritive properties and strengthens the muscles, tendons, bones, and nerves, increasing ojas the primary energy of the body thus fortifying the immune system and feeding the mind."  I would suggest you find an Ayurvedic herbalist trained in this field who knows how to give the appropriate dose and mixture to balance your uniqueness.

namaste mukunda

#4

Thank you Mukunda & Happy New Year!

Will try to find the article. I’ve spoken to an ayurvedic herbalist, who did recommended ashwagandha among other things.

Thanks again for your suggestions -
Namaste.

#5

Good let us know the results. namaste mukunda