For knee sensitivity, there are many modifications you can offer students. It is important to ask about the nature of the knee sensitivity, for example, is the limitation when they bend the knee or have the legs straight (flexion or extension), when they apply pressure to the knee by kneeling or when they move the knee inwards or outwards. This will help you, as the teacher, as you move through the class, to offer important alignment cues and modifications that this student could benefit from.
First and foremost, if you encounter a student with sensitive knees, encourage them to have blocks and a blanket or a soft cushion or pad for their practice. These props can be used to cushion the knee on the ground in a low lunge or under both knees in child’s pose. These props could also support the outer knees or thighs in poses such as Easy Pose - Sukhasana, Butterfly Pose - Baddha Konasana, or Head to Knee Pose - Janu Sirsasana. They could also be used to support under the knees in poses such as Seated Forward Fold - Paschimottanasana or Child’s Pose - Balasana.
Giving alternatives will allow your students to explore and find the right fit for them and that can be so empowering. For example, if Butterfly pose does not work for the knees perhaps try a Wide-Legged Forward Fold, or if Squat – Malasana is too deep, offer a block under the pelvis or keep the hips higher and rest forearms to thighs. Encouraging micro bending the knees in standing forward folds or triangle pose is a beneficial reminder for all yoga students but may be especially useful to those with knee sensitivity.
Be very mindful to give clear concise alignment cues for the safety of the knees such as stacking the knee over the ankle in lunge poses or encouraging the bent knee to track over the toes in warrior poses, as this can help with strengthening the knees and helps to apply these physical adjustments to the muscle memory and may help them in everyday movement off their mat.
Comments
0 comments
Please sign in to leave a comment.