r/yoga
Yoga with ganglion cyst?
This is Ashtanga Yoga Tech Support. Real questions from the yoga community, answered.
The Question
Hi! I developed a ganglion cyst on my left wrist in the past couple of months and have stopped going to yoga in fears of it getting worse. My family physician believes I should be able to practice yoga just fine. I’m curious of others’ experience practicing yoga with ganglion cyst on their wrist! Thanks! submitted by /u/spicy-agedashi-tofu
— via r/yoga
Our Response
Your doctor cleared you. Listen to them.
Ganglion cysts are weird. They're not dangerous. They're fluid-filled sacs that show up near joints. Wrists love them.
Here's what matters: pain is your guide. If weight-bearing hurts, modify. If it doesn't, practice.
Start gentle. Maybe skip jump-throughs for a bit. Use fists instead of flat palms in down dog if you need to. Or try forearms. You're testing what your wrist tolerates.
Some people practice with these things for years. Some cysts shrink. Some disappear. Some stick around. They're mostly annoying, not dangerous.
If it swells more or starts limiting movement, check back with your doctor. Otherwise? Get on your mat.
You're not made of glass. Your practice adapts. That's what it's for.
One practical thing: before you practice, do some gentle wrist circles. Warm it up. See how it feels. Then decide pose by pose.
You've got this.
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