Cardiologist reveals how yoga magically cured his knee pain: “I have forgotten if it was in the right or left knee”

Benefits of Bridge Pose: Also known as Setu Bandha Sarvangasana, this pose benefits the hamstrings, quadriceps, and glutes, and provides relief to the knees by improving stability (Image: Canva)

Knee pain has become a common problem that is no longer restricted to old age but is also widely experienced by young professionals who sit for long hours without much movement. Dr Devi Prasad Shetty, a cardiologist and founder of Narayana Health, shared in a recent podcast how he was also plagued by the same problem despite remaining fit throughout his life, and how yoga came to his rescue.

“I am a very strong advocate and practitioner of yoga. That happened through my own personal experience. As a young man, as a medical student, I used to be a bodybuilder and martial artist. I used to win prizes for showing off my body. When I left India, I was holding a senior brown belt in karate. I was very much into bodybuilding,” he shared.

However, when he was about 55, he started experiencing knee pain. While his wife recommended he try yoga, he felt it was not for an athletic person like him. But instead of going away, his pain only got worse. That’s when he decided to switch to yoga, which turned his life around for the better. “One day, I told her (his wife) to get her yoga teacher to teach me. I’m not exaggerating, maybe two or three months of yoga, and the pain completely disappeared.”

Also read | 9 easy Yoga asanas to reduce chronic back pain and improve posture

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“Today, if you ask me whether it was my right knee or left knee, I have forgotten,” he added. Sharing his routine and how he feels fitter than most, the cardiologist said, “And after that, every alternate day, I do yoga. And I can tell you that today when I operate, sometimes we stand for a long time. I can see my assistants, who are my children’s age, taking a break, and I can continuously stand like a horse. So it’s a very, very powerful tool.”

3 best Yoga poses to stop knee pain

Bridge Pose: Also known as Setu Bandha Sarvangasana, this pose involves lifting the hips and chest off the ground while pressing into the feet and arms to create a bridge-like shape. It benefits the hamstrings, quadriceps, and glutes, and provides relief to the knees by improving stability.

Benefits of Triangle Pose: This Yoga asana helps align the knee joint properly while easing tension in the surrounding muscles (Image: Canva)

Triangle Pose: Known as Trikonasana, this standing yoga posture forms a triangular shape with the floor. This asana helps align the knee joint properly while easing tension in the surrounding muscles, providing relief from pain.

Benefits of Chair Pose: Also known as Utkatasana, this yoga pose strengthens the thighs, hips, and knees (Image: Canva)

Chair Pose: Also known as Utkatasana, this standing yoga pose strengthens the thighs, hips, and knees. It tones the core and improves balance. Additionally, it helps develop the muscles supporting the knee joints, reducing pain and lowering the risk of injuries.

Also read | How to cure back pain naturally: Expert tips to protect your spine, cure recurring back pain

FAQs on How To Relieve Knee Pain with Yoga Poses

1. What are some effective yoga poses for knee pain relief?

Bridge Pose, Triangle Pose, and Chair Pose are highly effective in relieving knee pain by improving stability, alignment, and muscle strength around the knee joint.

2. How does the Bridge Pose help with knee pain?

Bridge Pose (Setu Bandha Sarvangasana) lifts the hips and chest, which strengthens the hamstrings, quadriceps, and glutes, thereby improving knee stability and reducing pain.

3. How can the Triangle Pose alleviate knee pain?

Triangle Pose (Trikonasana) aligns the knee joint properly and eases tension in surrounding muscles, providing significant relief from knee pain.

4. What benefits does the Chair Pose offer for knee pain sufferers?

Chair Pose (Utkatasana) strengthens the thighs, hips, and knees, tones the core, and improves balance, which helps develop muscles supporting the knee joints and reduces pain.

5. Is yoga a long-term solution for knee pain?

Yes, regular practice of yoga can be a powerful long-term solution for knee pain by improving muscle strength, stability, and joint alignment.

Disclaimer: This article, including health and fitness advice, only provides generic information. Don’t treat it as a substitute for qualified medical opinion. Always consult a specialist for specific health diagnosis.