Can We Prevent Yoga Injuries?

In this episode, yoga teacher Jenni Rawlings and Exercise Science professor Travis Pollen discuss the hot topic of how to prevent yoga injuries. Travis is a recognized expert in the field of injury prevention, having researched and written his dissertation on the topic, as well as creating a masterclass on injury prevention for Physio Network. His insights on preventing injuries in yoga are therefore especially valuable and insightful!

Points of discussion in this episode include:

How is an “injury” defined in the scientific literature?
How are injuries classified and categorized in research on injury prevention?
What are some common risk factors for injuries?
The belief in the yoga world that “alignment” is the most important factor for yoga injuries
Whether common yoga alignment rules about “joint stacking” are helpful for injury prevention
The connection between strength training and yoga injury prevention
A closer look at the popular FMS (Functional Movement Screen) and whether it’s a trustworthy tool for injury prediction
Best practices for preventing yoga injuries
And lots more!

Enjoy this engaging and eye-opening discussion for yoga, movement, and fitness geeks!

Resources mentioned in this episode:

Jenni’s email newsletter

Strength for Yoga Remote Group Training – ongoing, interactive monthly strength program for yogis designed by Jenni & Travis

Online yoga class library & yoga anatomy workshops with Jenni

Strength for Yoga email newsletter

Infographic: Pain or injury? Why differentiation matters in exercise and sports medicine

International Olympic Committee Consensus Statement: Methods for Recording and Reporting of Epidemiological Data on Injury and Illness in Sports 2020

Improved reporting of overuse injuries and health problems in sport: an update of the Oslo Sport Trauma Research Center questionnaires

To find out more about Travis Pollen: website / Instagram

Music used with generous permission from Dischord A Cappella.

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