Sakina (and anyone else who can answer);

I have a yoga question.  17 years ago the lower 1/3 of my spine was fused due to degenerative discs.  I suffered permanent nerve damage which prevents me from having any tactile feeling in both feet (actually, it goes up above the ankles).  These factors seriously affect my balance (ie, I fall over easily, especially if on only one foot).  

I know I need to work on my flexibility and strength, but obviously, certain parts of the body are not going to move (or at least I hope they won't!).  I tried a yoga class about 10 years ago, but the instructor could not comprehend my issues and chided me for not being able to do basic things.  I still think yoga would be good for me, but what do I need to look for in a class or instructor?  Or, do you think I should skip yoga and try something else?

I really want to improve my physical well-being, but am "handicapped" with the balance and back issues.  Any suggestions would be appreciated.

Well, I'm far from a yoga expert, but the teachers in the classes I have taken have all made a point of telling us to only do the moves that are within our abilities.  "If it hurts, don't do it."  They particularly stressed that the balance moves were optional.

I do hope you find a good teacher who can understand and work within your limits.  I love yoga, and find it not only very relaxing, but very good exercise also.

Good luck!

Thanks, divewench.  I have lived with the "if it hurts, don't do it" philosophy for a long time.  However, almost everything hurts these days due to arthritis and know that some movement would actually help.  

Have you tried Tai Chi?  It is a form of martial arts that is very good at balance training.

http://www.ctaichi.com/product/what-why.html

Dr. Chen has a video out.  He has adapted his tai chi for all kinds of physical restrictions with good results.

WOW - thanks for that link!  This looks like a possibility.  :D

you're welcome.  sometimes us PT's are *whispers* nice, but don't let on, our feared reputations are what get us results  shhhhhhhhhhh ;)

wrote on Aug 30^th, 2005 at 12:09am:

you're welcome.  sometimes us PT's are *whispers* nice, but don't let on, our feared reputations are what get us results  shhhhhhhhhhh ;)

Oh, I know ALLLLLLLL about PT's.  Prior to my 2 surgeries, I spent many hours under the PT whip.  (But also got wonderful massages when they agreed that the PT wasn't working and the massage at least gave me 20 minutes of relief.   :D)

BB, did you know that the word Guru means teacher?  
Instructors who have never suffered an injury really can't comprehend someone who has one.  So, if you decide to try again in your area, see if you can find someone who has personal experience w/back injuries.  You may find someone w/o a back injury that has taken special training for back work.  Ask!

I'm sorry your experience wasn't what you needed it to be.  One of the things that comes with the practice is learning how to modify the postures to accomodate your issues.  We all have issues (injury, limited range of motion, other health situations) and so must work at the level we find ourselves.

There is no reason in my opinion that you couldn't use either a chair or wall to assist you in your balance postures.  We begin to loose our ability to balance around age 40.  This becomes particularly concerning when you consider osteoperosis.  Good news is that you can get your balance back, and increase your range of motion.  By how much just depends on your body.

Your abdominal strength is a major player in supporting your back as well as managing balance.  Perhaps this would be a good place to start.  Rodney Yee has an abs video that I own and like, I think it is called Abs Yoga.  Check out your local library to see if you can find something you like.  Now, having said that I do recommend you find a real live teacher to help you modify and adjust the positions for your safety.  In my style of teaching, I advise finding your comfortable and steady limit.  Here the pose if comfortable enough to be held for a  long time (not that you will hold it long) and steady meaning that the level of sensation is not so intense as to agitate the mind.  If you cannot return your attention to your breath, you have gone too far for what your body is ready to handle.  Tricky part is that EVERYONE has their own comfortable and steady limit for each pose and each side of the body so there is no room for comparing your posture to anyone elses.  Staying within your comfortable, steady limit will keep you safe and allow you to make consistent gains in your practice.  So what if your heels never reach the floor in down dog?  Accepting the pose for what it is is challenging, teaching us to be free from self judgement.  Swami Kripalu said that when we judge oursleves we are breaking our own hearts.  So its not about how deep you get into the pose, as long as you are within your comfortable, steady limits you'll be right where you need to be.  Even if you go in 1/4", if it is your limit that's just what it is.

Try www.kripalu.org and see if there's a teacher in your area.

http://www.kripalu.org/find_a_teacher/58/

My first teacher was Kripalu and I was only a couple of years into my recovery from my back injury.  From my first class I felt so much better that I knew I wanted to practice yoga for the rest of my life (I think I was 22 or 23 at the time).  Little did I know I'd become a teacher.

As you check things out and/or begin a practice, please feel free to consult me and PM me if you want to talk on the phone.

Don't be afraid to try different teachers.  You're more likely to get hurt if you don't trust them.

Good Luck, if I can be of more help please let me know!

Namaste!

Thank you!  I knew you would "understand"!  Unfortunately, there are no KAS in Minnesota.   >:(

I guess I'll just have to "interview" some instructors and hope to find one that can work with me.  

i'm so sorry that you have to be in so much pain :-/ :'(

hope you find someone that will understand your situation

Good Luck :)

I have no advice for you but I am sending you lots of good wishes and thoughts.  :) I hope you will find something that will help soon.  :)

BB - I am really sorry about your pain - you sure do manage to keep yourself "up" and going and I know that's very hard.

Is anyone here familiar with myofascial release or active release techniques?  I tried it and actually did get some relief.  The good practitioners lead you into yoga and others methods to maintain ...g

Bikerbraid, have you thought of taking [glb]ballet[/glb]--not that you have to do the flying leaps or anything, but the basic stretches and movements...

I have heard that this is a wonderful alternative to yoga. I took ballet some years ago from an instructor, but these days you could probably get a good book or video to get you started without having to go to classes.  Have hubby attach a barre to the wall for you.  Pick out a fun, comfy outfit.  I'm sorry for your back/balance problems, I have a brother who is going through something similar and he can barely do any exercises without pain.  I hope you find something that helps. :)

oh my - ballet??  I couldn't do ballet when I was a kid and had all my working parts!   ::)

It is a thought, however.  I understand how the basics could help with flexibility and balance.   I'll keep this in mind if I can't find a yoga class.

I am a nurse (ie lots of back problems after 12 years) and I have found that walking 3 times a week really keeps the pain away

Chilipepper;
Yes, walking is fantastic for back problems and I do try to walk whenever I can - especially in the winter when biking is no longer an option here in snowy/cold MN.  I've had to be careful with shoes when walking or else my knees and hips become inflamed and swollen.  The arthritis in my major joints makes walking difficult during certain weather conditions, but I do love to walk.  My favorite place to walk is at the Mall of America - I can walk 5 miles without retracing my steps, it is temperature controlled, and I don't have to worry about ice, snow, rocks, or uneven surfaces (as long as I stay out of Camp Snoopy).  The window shopping isn't bad either!  ;D