The Surprising Science of Asymmetry, Injury, & Yoga

July 26, 2022 Jenni Rawlings

Yoga teacher Jenni Rawlings and Exercise Science professor Travis Pollen discuss the topic of asymmetry in yoga, rehab, and fitness contexts.

Points of discussion include:

The nature of the major asymmetry that exists in Travis’ own body
Asymmetries with regard to body alignment
What is a leg length discrepancy?
How is a leg length discrepancy measured? How is it treated?
Are common treatments for leg length discrepancies and other minor body asymmetries evidence-based?
Can “correcting” body asymmetries have unexpected negative consequences?
Do we always need to do the same thing on both sides in our yoga sequences?
Do side-to-side asymmetries increase one’s risk on injury in athletic activities?
Do side-to-side asymmetries impair one’s performance in athletic activities?
Is there an ideal “push pull ratio” for upper body pushing vs. pulling exercises?
Does the upper body pushing/pulling imbalance in yoga predispose yogis to injury and pain?
Travis’ experience attending yoga classes in a body that was born missing half of one leg
…And much more!