Giving up yoga during treatment

Yoga Discussion General Yoga
#1

I’ve been having treatment from a student at the London School of Osteopathy for my swollen and painful knees and painful hips (most probably arthritis but undiagnosed). I’m in quite a lot of pain when I practice yoga as I mentioned on another thread concerning arthritis but despite this I love yoga and am very committed to developing my practice within my limitations.

Imagine my dismay when the supervisor of my student said that i must give up yoga during the course of my treatment which will last several weeks. I really don’t want to do this and also feel the supervisor has very little understanding of yoga. I feel in a dilemma about this as I do think the treatment is helping me and don’t want to go against the advice given but on the other hand, giving up yoga albeit temporarily feels like a real blow.

Any advice would be much appreciated.

Many thanks

Gill

#2

I think it’s rather important for us as human beings to take charge of our healing. This means seeking out modalities that may help us and doing so with an open, receptive mind. It means vetting practitioners. It means asking questions and understanding procedures and perspectives. And it means that ultimately we are in control. Advice is just that, advice.

So my suggestion would be to begin a dialogue with the supervisor in order to discern what that person’s understanding of yoga is and how the avoidance of it is necessary, helpful, or required (as that person sees it).

A temporary respite from asana is not a respite from Yoga and a temporary respite from asana isn’t really a blow at all. It’s simply a regrouping with a purpose.

#3

You’d probably benefit from a good Iyengar Remedial class. But generally speaking, if you have been advised by a skilled therapist to temporarily discontinue physical exercise, that would include asana for the time being.

However, you could still practice gentle pranayama, savasana, meditation…

I’ve found the London School of Osteopathy to be a bit hit and miss. I’d recommend http://www.southlondonosteopath.com/?page_id=2

#4

Thanks Gordon and Terence for your advice. I’ve decided to follow my heart and continue with gentle asanas and pranayama but do nothing too strenuous for the time being. Went to a class this evening and did lots of gentle stretching/relaxation and have suffered no adverse effects at all so far.

I’ll continue to monitor how things go with the London School of Osteopathy - so far I’ve only had 2 treatments so it’s early days.

Thanks again
Gill

#5

Welcome, always inform a teacher of any injuries or issues you are having. Take care.

#6

Manhattan Kayak’s Liquid Yoga and Sunset Paddling workouts

bloodsweatandcheers.com/new-york-play/479-mahattan-kayak

Is this recommended?