How to Adjust Your Yoga to Help Your Nerve and Joint Pain
Even though yoga is an excellent form of exercise, this activity could be quite painful if you are struggling with any joint or nerve issues. Luckily, with a few simple changes to your yoga routine and some inexpensive gear, you will be able to enjoy this activity without aggravating any existing injuries.
Use Padding
Yoga is a low-impact activity, but you might experience some pain if you have nerve damage. To minimize your discomfort, you should make sure that you always use some type of padding. A yoga mat is going to be a great investment, but you can also roll up a sweatshirt or towel and put it under your hands and knees. That padding is also going to take some of the pressure off your joints, and that will allow you to carry out a much more rigorous routine.
Wear Compression Gear
Wearing compression garments over your injured joints is going to reduce swelling and improve blood flow. That type of gear will be especially beneficial if you are struggling with limited mobility or lingering pain in your ankles or legs. Ankle compression wraps only take a few moments to put on, and they are going to stabilize all of the ligaments and muscles around the joint.
Start With Easier Poses
One of the reasons why yoga has become so popular is because it can easily be altered depending on your unique needs and overall level of fitness. When you first start yoga, you should stick to easier poses and basic movements that won’t jeopardize your health. As you become more limber and your joint pain subsides, you can begin to add advanced poses to your routine.
Work With a Licensed Yoga Instructor
An individual doesn’t need to get a license in order to teach yoga, but you should make sure that your instructor has some type of official training. Organizations like the Yoga Alliance offer certifications to those who undergo extensive training, and the teachers must continue taking classes to stay on their registry. One of those professionals can help you come up with a personalized yoga routine that strengthens all of your major muscle groups without damaging your joints.
If you continue to experience severe pain during your yoga sessions, then you must immediately schedule an appointment with your primary doctor. Your pain could be the result of a serious medical condition, and you need to speak with a doctor about all of your treatment options if you want to avoid long-term health problems.