Click in the Shoulder... - Hot Yoga Doctor

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finalspinal
Participant

December 8, 2009 at 9:37 pm

Post count: 24

#1634

Hey,

When I am doing Pranayama, especially early on in the first set when I am at my “stiffest”, I have noticed something a little odd during the peak moment of the inhale phase where my elbows are at their highest point and my chin is parallel to the ground.

Just as I hit the point of maximum inhale, I find it difficult to resist raising my left shoulder directly upwards, resulting in a noticeable clicking sound as my shoulder ostensibly locks back into place…

It usually only occurs during the first set of Pranayama, and it only happens if I consciously raise my left shoulder to a point higher than perhaps it should be if I am attempting to maintain the integrity of the movement where my shoulders stay relaxed, down and back.

Any thoughts?

Gabrielle (The Hot Yoga Doctor)
Forum Owner

December 9, 2009 at 9:57 am

Post count: 3048

#5982

Hi Andrew

If it only happens first set when you are not yet warmed up then allow some time in the first set to maintain that pose integrity and work your way into full expression gradually. I would probably focus more on the point of contact of grip and chin and the leverage created in the directional movements (while shoulders are kept down of course ;)).

By your own account it seems you may be going beyond best alignment in the first set at that moment. One focus of mine in Pranayama is keeping my shoulders down. So in that respect I wonder what your exact movements are to have you consciously moving your shoulder upward. Is it in an attempt to get your elbows up higher or your forearms closer to your head? It certainly is a common error to do that.

Namaste
Gabrielle 🙂

finalspinal
Participant

December 9, 2009 at 9:38 pm

Post count: 24

#5983

Yeah I guess I guess the reason I do it is because it makes my shoulder feel a bit more comfortable, natural and relaxed. It’s like I’m clicking my shoulder back into its correct position (and that’s about as detailed as I can get about what’s actually happening ;p).

It’s just a bit disconcerting hearing this click every time I do it…Do you think it’s smart to do it if it ends up making me feel more relaxed and aligned?

Gabrielle (The Hot Yoga Doctor)
Forum Owner

December 19, 2009 at 6:26 am

Post count: 3048

#6048

Hi Andrew

You know that I am all about precision alignment. So if you are getting into best alignment and you feel you are not damaging anything then go for it.

My concern was about the timeline of events and the necessity of the activity. You mention that it happens at the beginning but not at the end of the exercise. So my thought was to not push so hard to ‘get there’ early on, but warm up and ease in. Then it may never happen at all. Would that work?

Namaste
Gabrielle 🙂
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