The Key Muscles of Yoga

Scoliosis affects the bone, cartilage, and muscles of the spine

Other forms include congenital and neuromuscular scoliosis

meaning without an identifiable cause.

Their form reflects their function, in that the deep socket (acetabulum) of the hip is designed to support weight, while the shallow socket (glenoid) of the shoulder is designed to provide maximum range of motion for the arms.

hips and shoulders are ball and socket joints.

Use muscular force to bring the bones into a position where they carry the load. Once these positions are attained, muscular force is no longer necessary (or is greatly decreased).

example, in Uttanasana, the force of gravity aligns with the long axis of the femur and tibia bones. Similarly, in Siddhasana the force of gravity aligns with the long axis of the spine.

Yoga postures approach effortlessness when we align the long axis of the bones with the direction of gravity.

The form or shape of a bone reflects its function. Long bones provide leverage, flat bones provide protection and a place for broad muscles to attach, and short bones provide for weight bearing functions.
Yoga accesses each bone’s particular potential, using the long bones to leverage the body deeper into postures, the flat bones (and their accompanying core muscles) for stability, and the short vertebral bodies to bear weight. Examples of these bones are illustrated here.

Bone mass decreases in osteoporosis. This age-related decrease is associated with the loss of estrogen in post-menopausal women.