Yoga postures for Kyphosis?

Kifaru · 12-30-2005, 10:24 PM

Is there certain poses recommended for mild kyphosis? This condition is causing me pain almost daily now. Also is there certain poses I should totally avoid with this condition? Thanks for your help. Kifaru

Chandra · 01-18-2006, 03:01 AM

Cobra pose practiced therapeutically is an excellent posture to assist in developing the upper back muscles and to open the chest wall, countering the rounded shoulders and slunched back associated with mild kyphosis. Instruction in practicing Cobra this way is best done with the guidance of a proficient instructor or yoga therapist who can assist you to unwind the muscular use pattern associated with kyphosis. Essentially, you would limit the movement of the pose to the upper back, pulling the elbows back and down (toward the waist) to engage the lower trapezius and squeezing the shoulder blades together. Together these actions will strengthen the muscles along the spine and between the shoulder blades. This is a different approach than the "high" cobra seen in many photographs which is primarily a hyperextension of the lower back.

Namaste,
Chandra

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12-30-2005, 10:24 PM	#1
Kifaru Junior Member Join Date: Dec 2005 Posts: 1	Is there certain poses recommended for mild kyphosis? This condition is causing me pain almost daily now. Also is there certain poses I should totally avoid with this condition? Thanks for your help. Kifaru

01-18-2006, 03:01 AM	#2
Chandra Senior Member Join Date: Jan 2002 Location: yoga teacher, massage therapist Posts: 243	Cobra pose practiced therapeutically is an excellent posture to assist in developing the upper back muscles and to open the chest wall, countering the rounded shoulders and slunched back associated with mild kyphosis. Instruction in practicing Cobra this way is best done with the guidance of a proficient instructor or yoga therapist who can assist you to unwind the muscular use pattern associated with kyphosis. Essentially, you would limit the movement of the pose to the upper back, pulling the elbows back and down (toward the waist) to engage the lower trapezius and squeezing the shoulder blades together. Together these actions will strengthen the muscles along the spine and between the shoulder blades. This is a different approach than the "high" cobra seen in many photographs which is primarily a hyperextension of the lower back. Namaste, Chandra