16 Comments

Thanks for the information. With the osteoarthritis and rotator cuff issue I'm still trying to find a yoga that fits.

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There are many styles and ways to practice, both on and off the mat. I'm happy to offer ideas.

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Thanks. Please do

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I am assuming that you are used to vinyasa style/power yoga. While strengthening, can be tough on injured shoulders. Chair yoga can be dynamic with less stress on the joints. Also, you can modify any practice with props or swapping out certain poses for others. If Down Dog is painful, take Child's pose or Table. Plank can be done with the knees down. I would skip chaturanga and either just hold plank or do child's pose. What matters is you are listening to your body and not afraid to do something different, perhaps, than what the teacher says. Certain Iyengar classes can be all standing poses. Yin yoga might be okay too, as long as you aren't hyper mobile in your joints. I don't know if that helps, but I hope it starts to give you some ideas. I have created sequences that are easy on the shoulders for people, it is possible, you just need to be creative.

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I may have to do old lady chair yoga :( Or wall yoga. Chaturanga. I can't do anymore. My joints happen to be a little hypermobile. Always have been. Maybe that's part of my problem

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I am also hyper mobile. What feels straight (arms and legs) is usually beyond straight and overstretching the ligaments. Keeping the muscles strong is key. Not all Chair yoga is "old lady" chair yoga, though it has that reputation. You can use the chair to do poses like plank and chaturanga with less body weight. You can also do warrior poses. Again, a little creativity and you can have an amazing practice!

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Thank you!

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Thanks so much!!

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May 8
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Depends on the exercise and body part that's affected, but bands can be a great form of resistance. Shoulders are a complicated joint, and with rotator cuff injuries you want to be careful with how much resistance you use, but for general shoulder health, yes, band away!

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“The bottom line is you do the best you can with the tools you have.”

Yes, I love this, call the shots.

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Yes! When we know better, we do better, but our best is all we can do.

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Love this Janine. The yamas and niyamas have been such helpful guides in my life. I had a similar journey with trying to move towards veganism. For now at least, the non-harmful thing for my body is to continue eating meat. But yes, the inner voice is another story... and an ongoing work in progress!

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That inner voice can be brutal! No one is meaner to us than we are. Progress is definitely ongoing... Thanks for reading Vicki!

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May 8
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Happy to help, Pete!

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May 7
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Amen to both. 🤘

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May 7
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For sure. There is no one size fits all way to eat. Your body will tell you what foods feel good and which ones don't. The key is not to shame yourself about it. Moderation is definitely key. Thanks for reading Pete!

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