Yoga: Rx for Muscle Knots

Consider prescribing yoga for patients with pain from persistent myofascial trigger points (aka “muscle knots”) in their back or neck. Helpful poses include the Half Moon, Sun Salutation sequence, Seated Twist, and the various inversion poses; deep breathing should be emphasized throughout. It may take several weeks of frequent practice (half-hour sessions 4 times a week) to obtain pain relief. Later on, less frequent yoga practice can sustain the results.

-- Connie Jaenicke, FNP-BC
Minneapolis

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