Stretch | When Yoga Hurts

As Cathy Lilly folded into downward dog at a workshop in January, a novice instructor, eager to help, lifted Ms. Lilly’s thumbs and angled them forward. Her thumbs are still recovering from the strain.

Ms. Lilly, 53, a yoga teacher with more than two decades on the mat, also once injured her rotator cuff jumping distractedly into plank pose. And after another instructor suggested she kiss her knee while in heron pose, her hamstring suffered the consequences.

Isn’t yoga supposed to be good for you? After all, doctors prescribe it to injured athletes and cancer patients. And while tennis players can expect ripped-up elbows and runners know they may blow out their knees, yogis don’t usually anticipate having to hobble off their mats.

It is this “do no harm” mind-set that can lead to strained backs, pulled knees, aching wrists and slipped discs. Ms. Lilly is part of a growing roster of yoga practitioners on injured reserve. (MORE)

Source: NY Times