Yoga is not only about flexibility; it’s also about strength and stability. Many yoga poses engage the muscles around the knees, such as the quadriceps, hamstrings, and calf muscles. When these muscles are strong and supple, they help to stabilise the knee joint and reduce the strain on it. Here are some ways yoga may help with knee pain:
Strengthens Supporting Muscles
Strong muscles around the knee joint help to absorb impact and reduce pressure on the joint itself. Yoga focuses on building strength in the quadriceps, hamstrings, calves, and hips, which are all crucial for supporting the knee.
Improves Flexibility
Tight muscles around your knee can pull the joint out of alignment, leading to knee pain. Yoga stretches these muscles, in so doing improving the flexibility of the knee and relieving tension. For example, tight hamstrings or hip flexors can contribute to knee strain, but regular yoga practice helps to release this tension.
Increases Body Awareness
Yoga encourages you to become more mindful and aware of your body, helping you to notice how your body moves and functions. Increasing your awareness of how you move will help you to recognise movement patterns or postures that might be contributing to knee pain and enable you to correct them.
Promotes Proper Alignment
Proper alignment in yoga is essential for preventing injury and ensuring that the body moves efficiently. Many yoga poses focus on maintaining correct alignment, distributing weight evenly and reducing pressure on the knees.
Reduces Inflammation
Certain yoga practices, like restorative yoga or gentle stretches, can help reduce inflammation in the joints. By increasing circulation and promoting relaxation, yoga can support the body’s natural healing processes.
