Knee Care and Preparing Knees for Virasana/ Padmasana

Full flexion of the knee comes in asana positions like virasana and padmasana. These positions are also incorporated in supine restorative positions.   This session is therefore ideal as preparatory work for Virasana and Padmasana.  that is especially useful for people with restriction in the knees. The preparatory work is usually in two steps – first complete extension of the knee joint to create ‘space’ at the joint and to elongate the muscles of the upper and lower legs.  This step is safe and in fact beneficial for those who have had a knee injury. The next step is flexing the knee joint.  Exposing any joint to its complete range of movement is essential to keep it healthy and supple.  In the case of the knee joint, this means complete straightening of the legs, full felxion of the knee, and even the small amount of twisting actions that is possible at the knee joint.  However, for those recovering from an injury, the flexion and the twisting actions have to be introduced with discretion.  We use supports behind the knee to ensure that even with the knee flexed, ‘space’ is maintained at the knee joint.