Practice Point #84 - Carpometacarpal

I received a question from Ann from the USA. Their question is...

I have arthritis with a very swollen carpometacarpal on my left hand. I eat an anti-inflammatory diet. I am a level one CIYT. Do you have any ideas?

Time and patience and a big part of the healing.

The key is to reduce the movement of the carpometacarpal joint.

I would suggest wearing a splint so that you do not over-exercise the joint. I would avoid any postures that remotely agitate the joint. Yes, that means no downward-facing dog.

Often we are looking for alternatives and modifications, but the quickest recovery will be to not use the join at all because every time you do you aggravate it and then take a step back in the healing process.

Only once it has healed would I start with modifications like dog pose in the ropes with your forearms on the ground. Dog pose with a plank support under the joint.

I think the practice here is not doing. We think we can adjust and modify etc., but not in an acute situation. Now is the time to practice brahmacharya and restraint.

Kate​