Spring is almost here, we are preparing the soils for our gardens and some are preparing for their summer marathon schedules. For others, just to get outside to that hike, or a long bike ride in the sun is enough! Whatever it may be, we seem to have that great burst of energy as the season changes and sometimes we push ourselves to the limit. Hopefully, being on this yoga journey will help us listen to and learn from our bodies. By making the mind/body connection we can be injury free.
We know that muscles, tendons, and ligaments have a range in which they can stretch under force, and we also know they return to their resting state. Muscles have a greater ability to stretch than tendons and ligaments do, therefore, if we force that stretch too much we can tear and can cause damage in those tissues which take a long time to repair.
A strain is an injury to a muscle or tendon. Muscles move your skeleton in an amazing variety of ways. When a muscle contracts it pulls on a tendon, which is connected to your bone. Muscles are made to stretch, but if stretched too far, or if stretched while contracting, an injury called a strain may result. A strain can either be a stretching or tear of the muscle or tendon.
A sprain is an injury to a ligament. A ligament is a thick, tough, fibrous tissue that connects bones together. Commonly injured ligaments are in the ankle, knee, and wrist. The ligaments can be injured by being stretched too far from their normal position. The purpose of having ligaments is to hold your skeleton together in a normal alignment, and ligaments prevent abnormal movements. However, when too much force is applied it can be stretched or torn; this injury is called a sprain.
So let us start off slow to get the best results by gradually warming up the tissues that mimic the movements to be performed, and easing joints through their range of motion. It is also important not to over-stretch the muscles that are going to be engaging in load-bearing exercise. The benefits of stretching are well researched, but research also indicates that it is just as important to use those methods that suit your specific needs. This is what our yoga practice is all about, our overall intention is to listen to our body and to understand and accept where we are today. I tell my students every time they walk into class to focus on their unique practice because every body in the room is different in form, and we all have our own histories. Continue your yoga journey and enjoy this beautiful season injury free.
We know that muscles, tendons, and ligaments have a range in which they can stretch under force, and we also know they return to their resting state. Muscles have a greater ability to stretch than tendons and ligaments do, therefore, if we force that stretch too much we can tear and can cause damage in those tissues which take a long time to repair.
A strain is an injury to a muscle or tendon. Muscles move your skeleton in an amazing variety of ways. When a muscle contracts it pulls on a tendon, which is connected to your bone. Muscles are made to stretch, but if stretched too far, or if stretched while contracting, an injury called a strain may result. A strain can either be a stretching or tear of the muscle or tendon.
A sprain is an injury to a ligament. A ligament is a thick, tough, fibrous tissue that connects bones together. Commonly injured ligaments are in the ankle, knee, and wrist. The ligaments can be injured by being stretched too far from their normal position. The purpose of having ligaments is to hold your skeleton together in a normal alignment, and ligaments prevent abnormal movements. However, when too much force is applied it can be stretched or torn; this injury is called a sprain.
So let us start off slow to get the best results by gradually warming up the tissues that mimic the movements to be performed, and easing joints through their range of motion. It is also important not to over-stretch the muscles that are going to be engaging in load-bearing exercise. The benefits of stretching are well researched, but research also indicates that it is just as important to use those methods that suit your specific needs. This is what our yoga practice is all about, our overall intention is to listen to our body and to understand and accept where we are today. I tell my students every time they walk into class to focus on their unique practice because every body in the room is different in form, and we all have our own histories. Continue your yoga journey and enjoy this beautiful season injury free.