Experiencing injuries as a yogi not only sets back the practice but also negatively impacts the mind and spirit. Picking things up could feel overwhelming when you're ready to return to practice post-injury.
While we recommend asking your physician before starting back, yoga is highly adaptable for those looking to continue their practice during the injury rehabilitation period. In fact, don't be frustrated if you cannot yet get into your usual poses.
Use this opportunity to bring an intense level of insight and awareness into your practice. It will help you determine which movements are better for your injury and which must be avoided altogether. Experts at Feelio Blocks have also jotted down some tips to help those looking to return to their yoga practice after an injury.
1- Practice Meditation
Adding meditation to your daily yoga practice is an excellent way to reduce the frustration and stress an injury can create. This especially holds true for injuries that restrict movement or physical activity. Regular meditation also helps cultivate a positive attitude, which can help speed up the recovery time while satisfying your craving for movement.
2- Test Your Limitations by Starting Slow
Try some basic asanas with simple movements and breathing exercises to test your physical limits. It's important that you move slowly but also mindfully so that you can listen and connect with the deep sensations within your body. If you're starting afresh after a while, it may take some time to reform the connection between body, mind, movement, and breath.
Gradually increase your basic movement levels to see how you feel. Listen to your body to find a safe zone. Your body will tell you if it needs rest or is ready for more. Once you feel comfortable, add additional poses slowly, but don't forget to always take it easy and slowly until you reach your previous flexibility and strength.
3- Explore Restorative Yoga
Ahimsa is a concept that means do no harm to others or yourself. When practicing yoga with an injury, don't do anything that hurts. Unlike common belief, pushing through pain isn't beneficial. In fact, it will only put you more at risk for re-injury. Modify poses that might threaten to cause pain or perhaps skip them completely.
For now, stick to more accessible poses and simpler movements and practice restorative yoga. It involves using blocks, bolsters, and other yoga accessories to fully support your body while holding postures comfortably for extended periods.
Restorative yoga promotes deep relaxation while gently and slowly stretching muscles, joints, and connective tissues. Since each pose is supposed to be held for several breaths, you'll have ample time to make adjustments to find comfort and accommodate the injury in the pose. Always be mindful not to let any excess tension build in the injury area when holding poses.
4- Shop Yoga Props to Modify Your Practice
Slowly rebuild your yoga practice with plenty of modifications. Many Yoga accessories and blocks are available today to help reduce injury chances and increase the ease we feel in yoga. Approach the use of props with curiosity and exploration so that it feels insightful and playful rather than frustrating.
Yoga wrist support blocks by Feelio Blocks help elongate the spine, aid proper alignment, prevent muscle straining, and deepen stretches during therapeutic yoga sessions. They provide the ultimate wrist support, acting as the perfect tools that aid strength building and balance, from beginner to more advanced poses. Gradually, they will help improve your range of motion and mobility too.
Push-up stand parallettes, yoga block wedges, and other yoga accessories in our store are incredibly beneficial for building stamina, strength, and flexibility. Get in touch with our experts or subscribe to the YouTube channel to learn more.