Yoga eases pain of tendonitis
By Kavita Maharaj - Nanaimo News Bulletin - March 23, 2009
Tendonitis occurs when the normal functioning level of the muscles and their attachments (tendons) is exceeded. This stress may come in the form of a sudden injury, or it may come from repetitive overuse.
Either way, the result is microscopic tears in the tendon fibres. And these tears lead to inflammation.
As uncomfortable as inflammation is, it is actually the first stage of the body’s healing process. When in this stage, you should elevate the area if at all possible as it helps to decrease swelling and thus the uncomfortable throbbing that is often times associated with acute inflammation.
Performing inversion yoga poses is a doubly beneficial way of elevating the body as it also activates the lymphatic systems, helping the body heal. Should tendonitis be acute, it is suggested you rest the area for four to six days. Once the pain has subsided, you will be in the sub-acute stage which usually lasts up to three weeks.
During this stage, gentle stretching and exercise is imperative. If one waits too long before beginning to exercise the area, the muscle will begin to atrophy, decreasing its strength threshold and increasing chance of re-injury.
Make sure your body maintains proper alignment in all of your yoga poses. This will ensure the muscles and tendons do not undergo excessive stress.
Once the tendonitis is healed, you must continue to develop conscious use of our muscles. This will ensure proper posture and body alignment.
A continued yoga practice will go a long way to providing this.
Listen to your body as you continue to practice and your yoga will take you to sustained health.
