I read the book Structural Yoga Therapy and I realy can use some help in which asana’s are right for me to do. I have hyperextended knock knees and when my knees are pointing forward, my feet turn outwards (I read the book in Dutch, so I don’t know the words for this in English. Turned hips maybe?). I want to straighten my legs with yoga to have a normal walk! I hope someone can help me.
Greetings, Loen
Perhaps one of our more experience yogi’s can confirm, but I understand working with blocks may help. One in between the knees and one in between the shins…
We sometimes do this in a pose such as Tadasana to get the engagement of the thighs turning inward.
Does this make sense?
Peace,
Callie
Self-diagnosis is always difficult, even with the help of a book. Since you are reading the book in Dutch, may I assume that you live in The Netherlands? If so, there are two structural yoga therapist whom you might consult. See Mukunda Stiles’ site for address information. After a body reading, tests of ROM and strength tests a more accurate recommendation for your condition is possible.
Using the SYT book (Table 6) AND assuming your self-diagnosis is correct: hyperextended knees calls for strengthening the quads with warrior II, bridge, camel. Knock-knees calls for tree, warrior II and head-knee pose. Your feet out diagnosis is not clear to me. Knees forward with feet out could be tibial torsion - no recommended poses. On the other hand, if the feet-out rotation starts from the hips then the hip inner rotators need to be strengthened (and outer rotators stretched).
Again, correcting posture with yoga is best done together with a very experienced yoga teacher and most preferably with a yoga therapist. It also takes time and dedication. And finally - if your posture does not cause you any discomfort or pain - there is no need to change it at all. Best of luck. Namast?, Willem
Thanks for the information! I’m going to make an appointment with one of the yoga therapists in Holland.