A recent New York Times article, titled “How Yoga Can Wreck Your Body“ has gotten a huge amount of coverage around the internet. Posts from some people are accompanied by an “I told you so” while those from others call it junk journalism. Whichever your belief, it is an interesting read and, to me, simply represents a trend of injuries “acquired” from any popular exercise routine. I wrote an article on my blog a year or so back about “My Issue With Core Strengthening“, that called into question some of the practices that are utilized by the therapeutic community and the popular modality of Pilates™.
When I began my private practice years back, combining myofascial release with my background as a physical therapist, exercising at Curves™ was quite popular. My caseload quickly became populated by women (Curves is a women only program) who injured themselves while working out at Curves. Initially I cast dispersions on Curves, thinking there must be something inherently wrong with this style of workout. But as trends changed, so did choices in exercise. Weight training, core strengthening/Pilates, Yoga, and even simple exercise walking emerged as more popular choices. But, curiously, my injured population did not dwindle. Each new exercise option seemed to produce its fair share of injured participant. My rocket science degree taught me to look at the patterns and trends. It was more about the people who were pursuing exercise that it was about the exercise modality itself.
Now if you read the Yoga article, you will see some specific and valid concerns about certain Yoga positions and practices. I’ve highlighted some of my own regarding Pilates and Core strengthening in the referenced blog. These are real concerns and are independent of t relative level of fitness of the participant. EVERY modality can be dangerous, even in our line of work. Beware of anyone in life who tells you that anything is completely safe.
So, what does this all have to do with myofascial release? Maybe nothing, though these are trends you will be exposed to daily, if you pay attention.
For now,
Walt Fritz
Walt, I agree with you; I have my office at a Health Club and sometimes I have to turn my head to avoid saying something because I see everyday the results of these exercises and modalities. On the other hand there are a few Trainers aware of the dangers and at times they consult with me when some of their clients have pain and limited range of motion. One of my goals is to help to educate the clients to listen to their bodies before they hurt themselves.
Regards, David
I think we, as therapists, have great deal to contribute to keeping people from becoming injured. Some of these injuries seem to be inevitable, which is another way we can help.