I tried doing yoga in a class a few years ago, but had a big problem. The yogi I was under did a lot of poses from a kneeling position and I just couldn’t be on my knees! I have fibromylagia and osteoarthritis in both knees and I just got frustrated and quit.
I’m not sure what to do now. Most forms of exercise hurt and everyone I ask says to do yoga. Please help.
Im sure I will get lashed out at for reccomending this, but I have found, for arthritis patients, opening the joints up is the best rememdy for the pain. It will not be comfortable, but start working on Virdrasana or Hero’s pose.
Use a block or a bolster to bring the floor to your sits bones. Over time, you will get close to the floor.
Find an experienced yoga therapist to assist you with getting your knees in shape.
It can be done with practice and earnestness.
Hi Jennilee
What you are referencing is asana, the physical practice of postures which make up a very small part of Yoga. When a student studies with a yoga teacher (or an asana teacher for that matter) AND that student has physical issues which they have shared with the teacher THEN it is appropriate for the teacher to modify the practice such that it fits the student’s current nature.
If the student does not share such things then obviously I would direct them to do so. If the teacher does not modify the practice for them, I’d suggest a different teacher. If the practice itself is unmodifiable, then I suggest a different practice.
Since you’ve only attend a few classes and therefore do not have enough asana in your body it would be irresponsible for me as a teacher to give you specific things with only the prayer that you might accidentally do them properly. For therapeutic issues choosing a therapeutically trained yoga teacher is a most sound direction.
As for “doing” yoga, our current society is one where everything is labeled yoga and very few things are yoga at all. An appropriate class for you with a well trained professional could be amazing, presuming you are ready for growth and change.
One of the things ya could try is Tai Chi. For example,
on Dish TV channel 9411 about 6 days a week around 9AM Eastern time there is a show called Tai Chi with Patrick Martin.
It’s a great way to loosen up your joints and do a little exercise without needing much willpower. Those slow movements in sync with breathing tend to relax our minds along with waking up our minds, that is a result that doesn’t happen elsewhere, I notice it with Yoga and Tai Chi. Normally, things that wake us up (coffee, stimulants) tend to make up tense and not sleep well, and things that relax us (tranquilizers, large meals) tend to make us sleepy headed. But doing some easy tai chi movements seems to wake us up and relax us at the same time, a good combo.
It should help ya age gracefully and hopefully lubricate your joints a little at the same time.
Best Wishes, Gil.
Jennileerose,
I don’t have fibro, but my sister did, and she had a lot of pain. I suggest a very slow, gentle practice, such as some hatha yoga. I apologize, I don’t know enough about all the “styles” of yoga practice, but for your condition, you need one that focuses on gentle stretches and breathing above all, as that will bring circulation and oxygen to the fascia, which is what is affected with fibromyalgia. I think others reading your post may be missing that important fact, that fibro affects the fascia and the joints as well, so you need something gentle that really focuses more on getting oxygen and circulation to the fascia.
I agree wholeheartedly with Gordon, though, go to some yoga classes but ask to speak to the instructor ahead of time so you have time to discuss your condition and some modifications. you might even just call the yoga studio, tell them your condition, and ask them what they recommend. Disclosure is most helpful above all, and you will get the help you need in that way.
I also agree with Gordon that you need more than just the focus on the physical. Since fibro affects EVERY part of you, including the spiritual, you would benefit from a practice that encourages more than just the physical side of “doing yoga”.
And don’t forget, the breathing is most important!