YOGA FOR AMPUTEES
Ian Gregson
With its history stretching back hundreds of years Yoga is a great activity for all levels of amputee.
Yoga addresses "core" strength. For an amputee core strength is crucial for balance, stumble recovery and kinesthesis [knowing where your body is at any given moment]. However, yoga also addresses a more spiritual side and in that world all our limbs are intact as we are perfect beings. It is therefore possible for yoga to deal with other issues of amputation such as phantom pain, stress and confidence.
For any beginner Yoga presents a challenge. For an amputee these challenges center around maintaining balance, particularly when the prosthetic or amputated limb is used as the weight bearing limb. Numerous simple adaptations can be made, having chair handy will be useful. However, with practice it will not be impossible for an above knee to balance solely on the prosthetic side.
A good mat is essential, since your stability is paramount when performing numerous positions. However, look for the mat to get "ratty" at the point of contact with the prosthesis; a lot of pressure is created there and your mat is designed for softer feet.
Yoga will help you in many, many ways. If you have lifted weights or aerobics you will find yoga "different" in many ways and well worth a try. Depending on the style taught, your journey in to a new spiritual and physical world will simply astound you. Your breathing skills particularly will take you to new levels of relaxation and meditation.
The Amputee Online forum has a discussion thread here
You can see photos of Ian doing his yoga session here.
Please contact me directly at iang@amputee-online.com
