Ligament Tears 1-17-26

Why is Osteoarthritis Kicking our Butts?

Let's break it down so we can rebuild before it's too late

Dear Reader,

Wow! The holidays have come and gone and now we somehow have stumbled into Mid-January. My heart goes to you who may be shivering up North. Here in Texas we enjoy summer followed by winter every couple of days. Thank goodness for the Weather Channel to help us know how to dress for the day.

A week ago, I introduced the topic of Osteoarthritis. I hope you don't mind if I go a little deeper this week. Sometimes with aging comes a feeling of vulnerability. Our bodies are changing and we feel resigned to its negative effects.

In light of Creating a Vision for 2026, my hope is that, with more knowledge and awareness of what our bodies are up to, we have more power and pride. Power to adjust and adapt; pride over who we have become despite our bodies' wear and tear. We are not defined by our physical bodies but by our hearts. Have you ever heard a eulogy whereby someone was being honored for how great they looked as they neared death, in spite of being a mean and bitter person? I surely hope not!

As much as I could dig into this rabbit hole (again), there is too much good stuff to share. So, with your permission, let's get to it!

Yes, we can blame the old ACL tear from years ago.

An injury from 20 or 30 years ago (like an ACL tear or a fracture) often leads to post-traumatic osteoarthritis decades later as the joint's alignment was permanently altered. A joint is a connection of two bones by a ligament. The ligament may change in character over the years.

Learn more about the role of ligaments

How does a ligament change in character with time?

When a ligament is injured, the alignment between the two bones it connects is altered. Having torn my ACL in college, I totally wrestle with the alignment of my knee joint. So, here's the deal. For every ligament, there are 2 bones. We know that muscles move bones. We also know that everything above and below the "Sacred Sacrum" is affected by the sacrum.

Here's a little test to see if you are helping or hurting your sacrum stay in alignment. As you sit, place your 2nd, middle, and ring finger underneath your booty. Which fingers feel the most pressure? If it's the index finger, you may be rolling the front of your pelvis forward. If it's the 4th finger, you may be sitting with your back against the back of your chair and your pelvis forward of that. Try adjusting your position so that your middle finger feels the most impact or weight.

Center of Mass

When the pelvis swings in front of or behind your center of mass, the ligaments take the load. So, today we are discussing a ligament that is already compromised. The bones have moved and now your posture places an additional force. The natural alignment of your spine gets pulled in one direction when you sit or stand unbalanced.

Learn More About Working with Your Axis

Start with the belly

Gently pull your stomach in to soften the rib cage and maintain a neutral spine, avoiding arching or slouching. Feet must touch the floor or rest on a foot rest. In perfect posture, something magic happens. The four natural curves resurface and muscle tension disappears. You'll notice less tension in the neck (the cervical spine), the upper back (the thoracic spine), the lower back (the lumbar spine), and the booty (the sacral curve). Try it out!

Why are Intrinsic muscles so important to reduce discomfort?

Intrinsic muscles accomplish two very important roles: they serve to align and stabilize. You can't really work these guys out at the gym. However, by sitting and standing with correct posture, you will build strength in your intrinsic muscles. Worth the effort? Heck yeah!!! Holding a yoga pose encourages these muscles to contract..contract..and contract. Then release. This is how muscles grow stronger.

Need a little kick in the booty to improve on these principles? I know a very dedicated Yoga Therapist who spends all her free time studying with the best of the best body workers. Best of all: she takes what she learns and shares it with her amazing students. Is that you? For some of you, the answer is Yes! And I am so proud of you.

Looking ahead this week....

Yoga by Dayna's Weekly Custom Schedule

Monday, Jan 19th

8:30 My training

9:15 Judy & Andy (V)

10:30 Christine (V)

12 Deep Stretch (V) (S)

2 pm Angela & Jim (D)

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Tuesday, Jan 20th

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10:15 Mat Pilates (V) (S)

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1 Private Study

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Wednesday, Jan 21st

9 Carol & Chris (D)

10:30 Jenny (D)

12:15 Judy & Andy (V)

2 pm Joseph (D) Welcome!

3:30 Winter Summit

Thursday, Jan 22nd

9 Christina (S)

10:30 Judy & Andy (V)

12 Ines (S)

3 pm Private appts

Friday, Jan 23rd

9 am Available

10:30 Available

11:15 Available

1 Dawn (S) Welcome!

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