Hip injuries among women engaged in extreme yoga activities was the subject of a recent New York Times article by William Broad ["Women's Flexibility Is A Liability (in Yoga)"].
Females were diagnosed at a higher incidence than men with a condition known as Femoral Acetabular Impingement (FAI) - simply, inflammations of the head region of the femur in the ball and joint socket of the pelvic girdle as a consequence of stretching and bending.
The author reports on conversations with orthopedic specialists - surgical interventions, including hip replacements, were required to correct various types of trauma in women doing repeated intense yoga movements while ignoring experienced pain.
My reading of Broad's article and his reference to the account of Michaelle Edwards experiences led me to a different perspective and question: is there a flexibility liability for woman (in yoga)?
In my opinion, the use of the word liability is misleading.
Anatomical variations of joint morphology among individuals occurs.
Genetic and environmental factors may influence the structure of bones and associated connective tissues can limit and restrict movements.
Our nervous system is designed to register various levels of discomfort and pain - for most individuals, a warning that something is not "right" results in stopping a particular motion to avoid minor to serious injuries.
Fundamental to my yoga experiences is the notion of listening to ones body and to engage in every asana with an understanding of ones biology, capabilities and limitations.
Given the circumstances and nature of the hip injuries described by Broad, it is not unreasonable to focus attention on the yoga teachers and students.
The notion of having students "push through the pain" is simply inappropriate and instruction at its worst.
Students need to be reminded that 'ego' has no place in yoga - an awareness obviously ignored by the individuals despite reported increasing pain levels.
I would agree with Broad's final words in his article: Better to do yoga in moderation and listen carefully to your body. The temple, after all, is your best teacher".
"Be compassionate to yourself" - wise advice received from my collective yoga experiences over three years under the instruction of Ray Hoyt and Patty Tremblay based on the Iyengar method [among other issues, effectively addressing my moderate and severe spinal arthritis].
I will continue to stretch and bend through my yoga asanas in a thoughtful and deliberate manner and reap the many rewards.
I encourage others to do the same safely within their abilities.
#Yoga Instruction # Women Hip Injuries #FAI
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