Hi Bernie,
The other night in a Yin Yoga class I was leading (on Zoom) I asked one of the students if there was a particular area of the body he would like to attend to this evening. He brought his hand to the front of his left shoulder, and said the front of his shoulder was weak and that he would like to strengthen the area around his left scapula. I asked if he had injured his left shoulder and he said yes, he was dealing with a recent injury.
The first thought that ran through my head, was "Probably best to not hold any pose that is going to put stress on his left shoulder".
What I actually said was "That it is probably best, due to the injury, to not put any stress on the tissues of your left shoulder at this time, and perhaps some gentle opening in this area would be good and to pay close attention to not create any pain or stress to this area in tonight's class."
My questions for you are:
1) "How would you of responded to his request of "liking to strengthen the area around his left scapula?"
2) Is it best to instruct a student that has an injury to avoid the area of the injury while practicing Yin Yoga?"
I have been instructing Yin Yoga since 2009, and am a graduate of Paul Grilley's Basic Yin Yoga training. I am currently taking "Your Spine, Your Yoga: The Course" on-line. I study the writings of Sarah Powers, as well. I am grateful for all of your teachings, and for this Yin Forum.
Thank you for your time and service to the Yin practice.
Warmest of regards,
Laura Hahn