bernie clark

BERNIE CLARK – YOGA RELATED INJURIES (www.yinyoga.com | @bernieclark7528In this episode, Bernie Clark discusses knee issues in Ashtanga yoga. He explains the anatomy of the knee joint and the role of ligaments in preventing excessive movement. Bernie shares his personal experience with knee injuries and the different approaches to healing, including surgery and non-surgical methods. (more below)

Bernie emphasizes the importance of strengthening the knee muscles and finding a balance between flexibility and stability. Bernie also addresses the idea of symmetry in yoga practice and the need for individualized approaches based on each person's unique body. 

This conversation explores the topics of symmetry vs. balance, the cultural protocol of crossing legs, hip structure and range of motion, hip pain and lotus position, hip issues and solutions, understanding pain and discomfort, the impact on personal practice, carrying angles and individual differences, and recognising pain vs. discomfort.

Key Points

• ·      Hyperextension of the knee is a natural movement and is not necessarily harmful.
• ·      Meniscus tears are more common than ACL ruptures in yoga.
• ·      The knee joint does not have a good blood supply, which makes healing difficult.
• ·      Strengthening the muscles around the knee can help support the joint and prevent injuries.
• ·      Asymmetry is natural in the body, and it is more important to focus on functionality rather than achieving perfect symmetry in yoga practice. Seek balance, not symmetry, in your practice.
• ·      Individual differences in hip structure and range of motion can affect poses like lotus position.
• ·      Various factors, including overuse and structural differences can cause hip pain.
• ·      Understanding the difference between pain and discomfort is important for practising safely.
• ·      Personalise your practice based on your body's capabilities and limitations.

    To find out more about Professor Stuart McGill and see his books and videos: https://www.backfitpro.com/

 Bernie Clark - Does yoga cause hip replacements? (yinyoga.com @bernieclark7528)

No pain no gain? | Practice and all is not coming | Your Body Your Yoga | Rubber hip | What is available for all? | Meniscus tears | Tensile resistance v compression Getting a few more degrees rotation | Cultural differences | What stops me? | Self-selecting | Nobody is average | What is fascia? | Mobility v stability | Your body’s energetic shape | Does yoga cause hip replacements?

Bernie Clark has been teaching yoga and meditation since 1998. He has a bachelor’s degree in science from the University of Waterloo and combines his intense interest in yoga with an understanding of the scientific approach to investigating the nature of things. 

His ongoing studies have taken him deeply inside mythology, comparative religions and psychology. All of these avenues of exploration have clarified his understanding of the ancient Eastern practices of yoga and meditation. His teaching, workshops and books have helped many students broaden their own understanding of health, life and the source of true joy.

Bernie’s yoga practice encompasses the hard, yang-styles, such as Ashtanga and Power Yoga, and the softer, yin-styles, as exemplified in Yin Yoga. His meditation experience goes back to the early 80’s when he first began exploring Zen meditation.

During those days, while he struggled with the conflict between practice and theory, Bernie also worked as a member of the executive team of one of Canada’s oldest and largest Hi-Technology companies.

Bernie is the author of Your Body, Your Yoga amongst others.