SUNDAY, April 22, 2018 (HealthDay News) -- Yoga can make you flexible and strong, but it can also hurt you if not practiced correctly, an orthopedic expert warns.
Improper technique can lead to serious muscle damage, including strain and overstretching of the neck, shoulders, spine, legs and knees, according to Dr. Brett Freedman. He is an orthopedic spine and trauma surgeon, and an American Academy of Orthopaedic Surgeons (AAOS) spokesperson.
"The key to a successful yoga workout is using proper form," he said in an AAOS news release. "When the technique of yoga is compromised, the body is placed at an increased risk of injury. New participants should work with a qualified instructor until they are confident in their practice."
In 2016, nearly 24,000 people in the United States were treated for yoga-related injuries, according to the Consumer Product Safety Commission.
The AAOS outlined a number of safety tips to reduce the risk of yoga-related injuries.
More information
The U.S. National Center for Complementary and Integrative Health has more on yoga.