I injured my achilles about six months ago. When I sit in hero’s pose, it hurts a LOT as I slowly stretch my achilles. Is this ok or should I back off?
Hurts “a LOT” where please? In the area of the Achilles or in the gastroc (calf) or elsewhere??
My calf does not hurt. The area around the achilles and ankle. All the tendons feel very tight.
Let’s see where to begin.
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only muscles should be stretched. Tendons should not.
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Because the foot is in plantar flexion in Virasana (Hero’s pose) the tendon in the back of the ankle (Achilles) is shortened not lengthened. Therefore it is incredibly difficult to stretch that tendon in that pose.
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Have your asana teacher modify Virasana until there’s no pain in the tendon.
I would suggest that certain stretches specific to your problem will help. maybe with using straps as a prop and stretching that foot/ankle. iyengar has great stuff for that.
Thank you both for your assistance.