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| I see posts about injuries scattered around several forums in this message board. I have a bunch of injuries I deal with (some more successfully than others) and I'm sure I am not alone here. I think many could benefit from exchanges relating to specific problems and novel solutions. So now, can someone fix my right shoulder? 
Cheers, |
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| I would need to visit the injury forum myself. ZenC- so elaborate on the shoulder.is it the rotator cuff? |
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Expert Yogi
Posts: 5098
 
Location: Somewhere in the Mountains of Western NC | You guys need to go see a Chiropractor, 
Seriously, I was having this conversation with a Chiropractor the other day about injuries and Yoga. I was really surprised at how many people actually injure themselves and the reasons why. This conversation was with an old timer Yogi/Chiropractor. The main thing we talked about is how MOST people practicing Yoga have no business doing these advanced Asana's and are not prepared properly. Not to mention how competitive Yoga has become. I'm talking about the kind of competitiveness within the individual doing the practice, working against themselves.
Anyway, he's going to help me with an old tail bone injury that is causing me not to be able to deepen some of the asana's I've had some complications with and....it will enhance my over all well being. I'm sure there are some other avenues with that I could do as far as modifications go, but I'm taking this approach for so many other reasons and I think it will be so much better in the long run for my body's alignment. |
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| I think an injuries forum's a great idea. If we posted under the injury name, it'd be so much easier to find advice again later. I'm currently nursing a strained left elbow due to making a mess of the Equestrian (lunge in other traditions I think) pose to Mountain pose (Downward Facing Dog) transition in a Sun Salutation a few weeks ago. I think I strained the tendon inside the joint as it feels like tennis elbow whenever I have it straight too long. Fee |
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| Cyndi, I have two chiropractors! mabye I need three.  and I still have a bad hammy. I agree with you about pushing into advanced poses too soon, and competiviness. I was teaching a class yesterday and had a student,male, decent shape, with no spinal flexability whatsover who insisted on pushing himself into the full poses (or his version of it, cause it looked like nothing i have ever seen)when I was cueing everyone through the modifided poses of ustrasana and matsyasana. it was really hard to be diplomatic cause he didn't want to hear "mabye this isn't for yu today" Urgh!! darn that ego. i feel better now.
Edited by anya sharvani 2005-09-09 11:53 AM
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| anya sharvani - 2005-09-08 8:20 PM
I would need to visit the injury forum myself. ZenC- so elaborate on the shoulder.is it the rotator cuff?
My Sports Med doctor calls it a shoulder impingement. This is certainly related to the rotator cuff. Basically there is something torn inside that is healing very slowly since it is almost impossible to immobilize the shoulder. My physiotherapist has helped a lot by having me do exercises with light weights and elastic bands. On top of this, I have tendonitis and/or bursitis in both shoulders. None caused by yoga as far as I know.
I guess I was wondering if anyone knew of specific asanas that can help restore shoulders. By being mindful about my movements, I can get into most common asanas although, not very deeply for some.
Aloha, |
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Expert Yogi
Posts: 5098
Location: Somewhere in the Mountains of Western NC | anya sharvani - 2005-09-08 8:20 PM
I guess I was wondering if anyone knew of specific asanas that can help restore shoulders. By being mindful about my movements, I can get into most common asanas although, not very deeply for some.
Aloha,
I think there are lots of specific asana's that can help certain ailments. The problem is that there are not many people who 1) truly trust that yoga has that capability, 2) not very many teachers with the experience, 3) it HAS to a hands on experience with a teacher/student, NOT an *online* experience
So, having that said, overworking an asana when you should be backing off would be a correct approach if you don't have an instructor, and find an instructor when you have injuries and special needs. All you will end up doing is make the injury worse and you will set up habits that are so hard to reverse. This is the reason I consulted a Chiropractor to begin with. After all this time doing Bikram with a qualified instructor who pays close attention to alignment, I got as far as I could go in Standing Bow and some other asana's - like I can't wait to be able to do the second part of half-locust. I listened to my body and KNEW I had to address some things before going any further. I believe that by having some adjustments to my spine and some specific areas, I will be able to advance further in my practice - SAFELY!! If I pushed it, Heck Yes!! I would be in serious trouble and that's not what it is about. Oh well.... |
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| Cyndi - 2005-09-08 9:30 PM
You guys need to go see a Chiropractor,
Oh, no chiropractor for me. I have been to a few and read a lot about about their methods. I have a good friend who is a chiropractor and an olympic class athlete, so I know there are may smart and caring people who just happen to be chiropractors. I just have no confidance in their methods. Within limits, information about this on www.quackwatch.com is pretty much on target.
Namaste, |
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Expert Yogi
Posts: 5098
Location: Somewhere in the Mountains of Western NC | Well, Zen Clicker, you should learn about all the Orthopedic Quack Doctors out there that are much, much worse than any Chiropractor!! At least MOST Chiropractor's are familiar with the human body as a system and have some kind of knowledge (some more than others) about YOGA and how to treat the body so that it can heal itself without INVASIVE SURGERY.
Of course it is very simple, you should always try to find a Chiropractor with a good reputation and someone you can trust with good creditentials and references.
I have a really good friend who is really screwed up from all these orthopedic surgeries. It is very frightening to me as her husband is a pain management therapist and has her drugged all the time. I hate it for her. My Father is so screwed up from all his surgeries and now has to rely on surgeries to heal his body rather than exercising and doing physical therapy to benefit - I really hate that more than anything because he's my Father and I have to watch him suffer - unnecessarily. |
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| Cyndi - 2005-09-09 10:12 AM
Well, Zen Clicker, you should learn about all the Orthopedic Quack Doctors out there that are much, much worse than any Chiropractor!! At least MOST Chiropractor's are familiar with the human body as a system and have some kind of knowledge (some more than others) about YOGA and how to treat the body so that it can heal itself without INVASIVE SURGERY.
Hmmm. I Googled "Orthopedic Quack Doctors" and found no information. I know there are always people who have had bad experiences with individual health care providers, and I'm sorry if you have a friend and a relative who fall into that category. My friends and family have all been served well by the medical profession (including in my case five surgeries and the successful treatment of two cases of testicular cancer).
I am curious as to where you found the statistics that say that chiropractors are more likely to have knowledge of yoga than medical doctors. Every doctor I know does yoga and often suggests it to their patients.
Namaste, |
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| Cyndi - 2005-09-09 9:52 AM
anya sharvani - 2005-09-08 8:20 PM
I guess I was wondering if anyone knew of specific asanas that can help restore shoulders. By being mindful about my movements, I can get into most common asanas although, not very deeply for some.
Aloha,
I think there are lots of specific asana's that can help certain ailments. The problem is that there are not many people who 1 ) truly trust that yoga has that capability, 2 ) not very many teachers with the experience, 3 ) it HAS to a hands on experience with a teacher/student, NOT an *online* experience
I guess I have to agree that an *online* solution doesn't exist. But my current instructor, bless her heart, has none of the experience you mention. So I'm still open to some online suggestions.
Aloha, |
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Expert Yogi
Posts: 5098
Location: Somewhere in the Mountains of Western NC | Zen Clicker - 2005-09-09 1:41 PM
I guess I have to agree that an *online* solution doesn't exist. But my current instructor, bless her heart, has none of the experience you mention. So I'm still open to some online suggestions.
Aloha,
So, why don't you find an instructor that does have some experience???? If you can't, it will be very difficult to do it on your own and online is not the solution. A *true* yoga instructor/guru would refuse to go online and diagnose your specific problem. If you find someone that does go online, I would be very cautious. Maybe that is why there is NOT an injury forum on this discussion website...it's a huge liability and not the proper way to do yoga. |
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Expert Yogi
Posts: 5098
Location: Somewhere in the Mountains of Western NC | Zen Clicker - 2005-09-09 1:36 PM
Hmmm. I Googled "Orthopedic Quack Doctors" and found no information. I know there are always people who have had bad experiences with individual health care providers, and I'm sorry if you have a friend and a relative who fall into that category. My friends and family have all been served well by the medical profession (including in my case five surgeries and the successful treatment of two cases of testicular cancer).
I am curious as to where you found the statistics that say that chiropractors are more likely to have knowledge of yoga than medical doctors. Every doctor I know does yoga and often suggests it to their patients.
Namaste,
Then you should go see your Orthopedic MD that you trust so well to give you the answers that you seek in your shoulder problem and any other ailments you may have.
I know several MD's that do not practice Yoga, have no clue about it and think Yoga is BS. So, I guess it would depend on which part of the world you are in huh?? |
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| Cyndi - 2005-09-09 10:51 AM
So, why don't you find an instructor that does have some experience???? If you can't, it will be very difficult to do it on your own and online is not the solution. A *true* yoga instructor/guru would refuse to go online and diagnose your specific problem. If you find someone that does go online, I would be very cautious. Maybe that is why there is NOT an injury forum on this discussion website...it's a huge liability and not the proper way to do yoga.
Since I am confined to work every day, I have to go with an instructor that is available when I am. This doesn't provide many options. Just looking for some suggestions.
Cheers, |
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| Cyndi - 2005-09-09 10:55 AM
[Then you should go see your Orthopedic MD that you trust so well to give you the answers that you seek in your shoulder problem and any other ailments you may have.
I have received much helpful advice and treatment form the sports med doctor and the physiotherapist I have seen. No need for an Otrho doc yet. Like I said, I was just wondering if anyone had asana suggestions.
Aloha, |
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Expert Yogi
Posts: 8442
  
| Kiefer - I don't know if I would expect my Chiro to deal with a shoulder injury. She would help, I"m sure, but they seem to be better with backs, in my experience. another of Cyndi's favourite treatments in accupuncture and I do think that can be hlepful for those sort of injuries. My shoulder finally got better with Hellerwork (like Rolfing) and yoga. |
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Expert Yogi
Posts: 5098
Location: Somewhere in the Mountains of Western NC | tourist - 2005-09-09 7:01 PM
Kiefer - I don't know if I would expect my Chiro to deal with a shoulder injury. She would help, I"m sure, but they seem to be better with backs, in my experience. another of Cyndi's favourite treatments in accupuncture and I do think that can be hlepful for those sort of injuries. My shoulder finally got better with Hellerwork (like Rolfing) and yoga.
Which I would have mentioned too, but felt like I was going to be pushing it,
That would work too!!
Don't get me wrong Keifer, I am just totally into doing alternative rather than INVASIVE SURGERY things. So far on my journey I have managed to heal my body and be a healthier person in doing so. I really avoid Western Doctors like the plague - I've seen way too much...more than I care to see and more than I care to experience. In fact, I'd rather die than be at their mercy.
I think the best thing to avoid is overworking your body into the asana's that your not ready for, and if you don't have an instructor, really try to keep your eyes and ears open to finding a good one. |
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| I also think an injury forum would be great!! While I have yet to get an injury doing yoga, I've had ( and have) a few injuries that have restricted my yoga practice somewhat. . .
On the alternative vs traditional western medicine front, the competence of the healer can run the entire spectrum, whether the person in question is a doctor, a chriopractor, an acupuncturist, a physiotherapist, or a massage therapist.
For anyone considering orthopedic surgery, I would highly recommend lining up a good physiotherapist before you have the surgery (one who will actually tailor your rehab program to how your body responds and who will spend time working with you individually). Believe me, the surgery is only 10% of the battle. . .
Keifer, do you have roots in Hawaii? (just curious because I do) |
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| My chronic injuries have gotten much better from Hellerwork, too. I'll be on session #5 next week. I highly rcommend Hellerwork or whatever type Structural Integration appeals to you.
There are good W. doctors but the bummer in the States is that HMOs make it practicially impossible to practice good medicine. The doc gets more $$$ when he keeps a patient from getting an MRI. MRIs, CT scans, etc, are very expensive for the insurance company to shell out. It's easier and more profitable to prescribe pain meds & anti-inflammatories. Let's not forget a****** attorneys have driven up malpractice costs. Now, no one wants to take responsibility and patients fall through the cracks by being shuffled from specialist to specialist. Then, some patients have the wrong attitude that think their insurance is supposed to pay all their bills. It's supposed to keep a patient out of financial ruin should the patient have some awful accident or illness.
It's complicated. I don't know what the right answer is except maybe cap attorney fees, do away with HMOs and make it mandatory for every MD & DDS in the US to provide pro bono work one day a week. It all boils down to money, money, money.... |
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| I woke up today and decided that I am going to have to go to a regular doctor about my hamstring. I can't afford acupuncture or any other alternative practices. I only get my chiropractic for free cause I barter with them, and massage (which helps briefly)is getting too expensive. I was not going to go to a dr. cause I know i will end up getting cortisone injections and i have heard there are some risks with that. the pain is just to much and It's really limiting my practice.Does anyone have any suggestions for me? anything? My one friend (herbalist) suggested I start eating fish again, to help healing.... |
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| Anya - as hard as it is for us to accept, sometimes REST is the best solution, rather than plowing full-steam ahead trying to fix things actively. Maybe take a week or two of using your hamstring as little as possible and see if you still want to see a doctor? Many of my yoga friends feel so much pressure to heal their own injuries, and feel defeated when they can't DO something to fix it. But sometimes rest is best. If your hammy still hurts after a week or two of leaving it alone (NO stretching and NO workouts, keep movements as limited as possible) then you can still see your doctor. He's not going anywhere. And take some anti-inflammatories, if you haven't already! I find Aleve is usually good for what ails me, though some swear by ibuprofen.
Some western docs do see the big picture . . . one of my retiree clients went to a doctor for her back pain, assuming she would have surgery because he had done that for one of her friends who had the same problem. After consulting with her, he said she didn't need surgery! He asked her to promise that she would work out every day, get strong and lose weight, and said that if she followed that she would probably never need surgery. She asked him why he had done surgery on her friend but would not on her, and he said that her friend just couldn't commit to changing her lifestyle, but that he believed she would really do it. She did, and her back feels great! |
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| rest is good advice. not a bad idea to start with regular MD. You can change you rmid/make decisions about your healthcare along the way. |
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| jeansyoga - 2005-09-10 4:30 PM Anya - as hard as it is for us to accept, sometimes REST is the best solution, rather than plowing full-steam ahead trying to fix things actively. Maybe take a week or two of using your hamstring as little as possible and see if you still want to see a doctor? Many of my yoga friends feel so much pressure to heal their own injuries, and feel defeated when they can't DO something to fix it. Yeah, I see your point. I guess i am just frustrated and a little whiny.When you use your body to make a living and then it quits on you it's like a betrayal. But sometimes rest is best. If your hammy still hurts after a week or two of leaving it alone (NO stretching and NO workouts, keep movements as limited as possible) then you can still see your doctor. He's not going anywhere. And take some anti-inflammatories, if you haven't already! I find Aleve is usually good for what ails me, though some swear by ibuprofen. I am suprised i don't have liver damage! Some western docs do see the big picture . . . one of my retiree clients went to a doctor for her back pain, assuming she would have surgery because he had done that for one of her friends who had the same problem. After consulting with her, he said she didn't need surgery! He asked her to promise that she would work out every day, get strong and lose weight, and said that if she followed that she would probably never need surgery. She asked him why he had done surgery on her friend but would not on her, and he said that her friend just couldn't commit to changing her lifestyle, but that he believed she would really do it. She did, and her back feels great! thanks for the support,jeans, I appreciate it.<3 |
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Expert Yogi
Posts: 8442
| anya - there is quite a good article at YJ in the teacher's area about recovering from hamstring injuries. It is by roger cole. I just did a search on "hamstring injuries" and it came up. I didn't go over the whole thig but I remember reading it and finding it to be good advice. Good luck! |
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| thanks, tourist! I did a search on this site but all i got was "tight hamstrings" that seems to be the universal problem.: ) |
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How about a "Injury Forum"?
