Shoulder To Lean On

My neck and shoulders are my on going problem. I'm bookmarking this for later, too, and it's also from Yoga Journal...

The incredible mobility of the shoulder joint allows for extraordinary movement, but it can come at the cost of shoulder stability. The repetitive and weight-bearing postures found in yoga can often aggravate shoulder instability. While a certain amount of soreness in yoga is to be expected as you work your joints and muscles, if your shoulders complain every time you do yoga, it's time to take a look at your alignment and at your practice overall. If you are having difficulty in backbends, for example, you may not be doing the right preparatory shoulder-openers. If your shoulders are pain-free, protect them from future injury by building balanced strength and focusing on proper alignment.

Shoulder injuries are common among yogis, but they don't have to be.

In this issue of My Yoga Journal, learn how to care for your shoulders as you advance in your asana practice with an article by medical writer and yoga teacher Catherine Guthrie. And physical therapist and Iyengar yoga teacher Julie Gudmestad addresses the anatomy of the shoulder by explaining the difference in movement the shoulder makes in various backbending asanas, and offering exercises to develop that movement awareness, and then by presenting simple stretches that can create new freedom of movement in many standing poses, backbends, and inversions.

Also, watch and practice a dynamic shoulder-opening vinyasa flow sequence by San Francisco yoga teacher Jason Crandell. Finally, revisit a familiar pose and use it to learn to engage and strengthen the rotator cuff muscles that are crucial in preventing common shoulder injuries.

* Wear and Care
* Shouldering Responsibility
* Use Your Head About Shoulders