Adapting for Knee Pain
Anatomy & Physiology
Overview
In this lesson, we introduce knee pain and explore considerations for supporting students with knee issues.
Objective
Become familiar with knee pain and issues, and teaching considerations for supporting students who are experiencing or recovering from knee pain or surgery.
What You'll Get
Provide yoga techniques to consider during active knee pain and swelling. Describe basic engagement and alignment considerations for knee conditions. Explain which muscles tend to need strengthening and stretching to help with knee issues. Provide alignment adaptations to consider for students having trouble aligning their knee in bent leg standing poses. Note poses and adaptations to consider for students with knee conditions. Explain recommended practice priorities for students with knee replacements.
General Considerations
- Review Anatomy of the Knees, Lower Legs & Feet.
- Inquire into the student’s experiences and learn if there has been a diagnosis.
- Engage in a well-rounded strengthening and stretching practice to address minor pain and to prevent knee issues.
- For considerations during active knee pain, please see below.
ASANA UNLIKELY TO BE APPROPRIATE DURING SEVERE PAIN & INFLAMMATION
People often seek help from a yoga teacher or therapist when the pain first hits, but the time for yoga therapy is not in the acute stage, which usually involves severe pain and inflammation. – Larry Payne
TORN MENISCUS
If the pain [of a torn meniscus] is severe and continuous, surgery may be the only choice. If the pain is minor and manageable, what else can you do to make sure you don’t make it worse? Yin yoga! By working to open the hips, slowly and over time, we can reduce stress on the menisci and minimize discomfort. – Bernie Clark
During Active Knee Pain
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