What To Do About Your Elbows
This Tuesday, June 4th, at 7 PM Dr. Michael Morrison from Red Hammer PT will be coming in for a free talk on the "bows" elbows. Here's a short yoga tutorial on keeping your elbows safe on the mat.
In a weight bearing position you will want to ensure that your elbows are not locked. Some of us, including me, have some hyperextension in our elbow joints. This allows further than "normal" range of motion in an extended position. This compromises the elbow joint and doesn't encourage the strength and stability that are necessary for more weight bearing positions such as handstand. What's the fix?
Keep your elbow joint soft. Any locking out of the joints can prove to be detrimental over time, but this can be worse if you are putting weight on the joint.
Rotate the center or eyes of your elbows towards one another. This assists in proper alignment of the forearms and shoulders and keeps your "bows" healthy and strong.
Next time you see your elbows pushing out, remember to take care of your joints—keep them slightly relaxed and strengthen around them from that state.
