How Yoga Can Get Your Injured Knee Back in Business

When most people think of yoga, they think of deep breathing and a lot of stretching.  Therefore, it isn’t surprising that most people associate yoga with a relaxing workout. But did you know that many doctors are beginning to recommend yoga for people with knee injuries? Because yoga focuses so heavily on stretching and flexibility, it is excellent for knee injury rehabilitation.

Benefits

Yoga is excellent for people who have sustained a knee injury.  An average physical therapy session works to strengthen the muscles around the knee.  Yoga goes one step further and strengthens the muscles above, below, inside, and outside the knee. Some muscles that are affected by yoga are the quads, hamstrings, and calves. Strengthening all of these areas will help to support and align the knee.

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Yoga also sends increased blood flow to joints used in specific postures. Blood gets pumped to your knees during many of the yoga poses that require you to squeeze and release the surrounding joints.

Warnings

Of course, you want to make sure that you don’t overexert your knee or any of the surrounding ligaments. This can happen when the poses are done improperly. To always use proper form, make sure your knees are still above your feet. This is especially crucial when you reach forward or bend your knees. Be sure to make other joints work as well. Don’t put all of the pressure on your knees. Additionally, avoid any poses that require you to lock your knees.

If you ever feel pain in the injured knee, be sure to stop right away. You don’t want to make the injury worse than it already is!

Also, let the yoga instructor know of your knee injury. He or she may know of ways to alter certain poses to avoid pain.

Yoga is a great way to improve your overall health.  Give it a try!  Whether you are recovering from an injury or just wanting to relax, yoga is an excellent addition to your daily routine.