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WASHINGTON, U.S.A., April 15, 2002: With an increase of 30% in participation from 1998 to 2000, 7.4 million people now do yoga in America. Along with its increased popularity, is a reported increase of injuries. Tyler Cymet, an osteopathic physician and assistant professor of medicine at the John Hopkins University School of Medicine in Baltimore says, “We’re seeing a lot more people experiencing sprains and strains and overuse of muscles….after doing yoga.” The article attributes the injuries to a variety of factors. People may approach yoga as a form of vigorous exercise when in fact it should be done in a relaxation mode from beginning to end. Baby boomers, who already may have back or knee problems are trying yoga. These same boomers in the 40+ crowd may not be aware that certain parts of the spine degenerate with age. Some gyms offer athletic hybrids such as hot yoga, power yoga, or Ashtanga Yoga. Because these forms are more vigorous, the risk of injury may increase. Trisha Lamb Feuerstein, director of research at the Yoga Research and Education Center attributes the injuries to unqualified teachers. She says, “There are people teaching yoga who have little or no knowledge of anatomy or physiology. There are lots of asanas (poses) that are contraindicated based on conditions people may have (such as prior hip problems or sciatica) — you don’t learn that in a week-end.” Timothy McCall, a Boston area internist who has practiced yoga for seven years and recommends it to patients for arthritis says, “Ideally, yoga should be personalized….what’s safe for a 20-year-old may not be for a 50-year-old with a history of arthritis or other injuries.” Jill Abelson, a yoga instructor of 12 years further adds, “It’s important for people to understand their own bodies. If people use some general sense and pace themselves, they can reduce their risk of injury.”

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