Yoga - there should not be pain !!

[Guest guest]

Hello -

For years people told me I should try yoga for my chronic pain. For years my PT

recommended against going into a regular class because so many of the movements

could easily exacerbate my pain.

After going on disability I have had a number of private sessions with a

wonderful yoga teacher. She helped me learn to do many of the poses without

injuring myself. After 3-4 sessions I " graduated " and now try to attend at least

one class a week. I've also continued my individual sessions (when possible -

it is pricey).

I TRY to get on my mat every day. Sometimes it's just to breathe -- just

practicing my breathing.

Yoga has made me stronger -- more of a " workout " than I thought! But it's so

important not to hurt yourself. In a recent Yoga Journal article one teacher

talked about how she severely injured herself by doing handstands for years even

though it was painful.

Yoga can be wonderful. I suggest finding a teacher who knows something about

people with chronic conditions (back, knees, etc.) There are training programs

for teachers who want to learn how to help people with chronic pain conditions.

I've found one of the hardest things for me is to really listen to my body.

Before pain, I ran a marathon, lifted weights and did everything full-speed,

including raising two kids (one with special needs) and working part-time. Now

the hardest things is to stay in bed and REST when I need to instead of just

going and going. I still feel guilty about being such a slacker. I'm working on

that!

There's no " right " answer to any of this.

--- Des wrote:

>

> At the end of the day it rests on each of us alone to figure out what works

best for us as no doctor has that magic wand that we all seek.

[Guest guest]

Your teacher sounds wonderful. Question: Did doing yoga improve your

stamina/endurance any?

Peace, Jen.

> dlgordon88 wrote:

> Yoga has made me stronger -- more of a " workout " than I thought! But

> it's so important not to hurt yourself. In a recent Yoga Journal

> article one teacher talked about how she severely injured herself by

> doing handstands for years even though it was painful.