Will a series of ligament tears prevent my partner from doing bikram?

Hi Briar

I guess it’s important to know first what limitations he has in everyday movements. Are there any? Or is he simply fearful of tearing his ligaments again? What is his balance like when he stands on one leg? Which ankle is actually affected?

Thanks for being patient… Lots of forum questions at the moment. Phew

Namaste
Gabrielle 🙂

Hi Briar

I think that if he goes prepared for the situation where he could find balance difficult, while he learns balance and builds both strength and flexibility in his ankles, he will be OK.

You can coach him a little by showing him the poses before his first class. Let me explain: Set him up next to a wall. When he does single leg balance poses make sure he is close enough to throw out an arm whenever he needs to. If he’s at the side wall, for a single leg pose like Standing Bow this means he will have to turn around and face the back wall for one side of the pose. You get the picture. Tell the teachers beforehand that he will do this if he needs to.

I would like to also suggest that he does NOT bring his feet together by bringing toes and heels together really closely. I think that he should try first keeping even an inch (or 2) between his feet so that his ankles can learn independent balance even in the 2 legged poses.

Recently there are some recommendations I gave to others (on 2 separate threads) about ankle issues and balance issues. For those who really can’t balance on one leg it may mean only lifting the other leg or even just the heel to leave the foot almost dangling close to the floor or with the toes even touching the floor. It means that the ankle can learn strength and balance (because balance is going to have to explore movement and even the weakness there to overcome it).

If your man feels precarious by going too far too soon then he will be tensing up his whole body in response; he may fall over; or worse may badly damage his ankles (again). It’s much better to go in with your ‘eyes open’ knowing that you will take the slow road without rushing, honoring the present conditions rather than succumbing to the competitive atmosphere (personal and group included) that can often accompany a hot yoga practice.

This is low impact but high challenge. IMHO I think that the practice will be great for him. Do it right the first time.

Namaste
Gabrielle 🙂

Hi Briar

You’re welcome! :cheese:

May I ask you a favor? Would you please post your BP question in FAQs? It will really help. This section is for injuries!

Namaste
Gabrielle 🙂