Demystifying Osteoarthritis And Joint Health

Osteoarthritis is one of the most common conditions yoga teachers encounter in their communities – but it’s also one of the most misunderstood. That’s why we teamed up with anatomy expert, yoga teacher, and former medical student Dr. Andrew McGonigle (aka Doctor Yogi) to bring clarity, compassion, and evidence-based tools to this often-overwhelming topic.

In this one-hour webinar, sharpen your understanding of yog anatomy. Dr. Andrew demystifies the realities of osteoarthritis (OA), challenges long-held myths about joint pain and wear-and-tear, and offers actionable insights yoga teachers can use to better support students living with joint discomfort.

KEY TAKEAWAYS 

• Osteoarthritis is not simply caused by "wear and tear"—it’s a complex condition influenced by factors like chronic low-grade inflammation.
• Joint replacement isn’t inevitable. Non-surgical management programs can significantly reduce the need for surgery in many individuals.
• Movement doesn’t harm joints—in fact, regular, appropriate exercise is essential for managing OA symptoms and maintaining mobility.
• Joint stiffness and pain are not always linked to structural damage; they can be protective responses from the nervous system that can improve over time.
• Pain in OA is rarely caused by bone-on-bone contact. Instead, it’s more often related to inflammation and surrounding soft tissue sensitivity.

In This Webinar: For Yoga Instructors

In this webinar, Dr. Andrew McGonigle explores the most current research and thinking around osteoarthritis (OA) and joint health, and why yoga teachers play an important role in supporting students with this common condition. You’ll learn why OA isn’t just “wear and tear,” how movement can actually improve symptoms, and what pain and stiffness really mean in the context of joint health.

This webinar is designed to help yoga teachers:

• Understand what osteoarthritis is—and what it isn’t—based on up-to-date science

• Debunk common myths like “bone-on-bone pain” and movement causing damage

• Explore the role of inflammation, not just degeneration, in joint changes

• Learn why joint stiffness and pain are protective—not always signs of harm

• Discover how yoga and other forms of mindful movement can support long-term joint function

• Feel more confident working with students who experience OA-related pain, fear of movement, or mobility challenges

Whether you’re a new yoga teacher or a seasoned educator, this session offers a science-informed, practical perspective on how to approach osteoarthritis with clarity and compassion. 

About Dr. Andrew McGonigle

Dr. Andrew McGonigle has been studying anatomy for over 20 years. He originally trained to become a doctor but later shifted paths to focus on yoga and anatomy education. Today, he teaches anatomy and physiology on yoga teacher training programs around the world and runs the Enlightened Yoga Collective, an online education-based community for yoga teachers.

Andrew is the author of The Physiology of Yoga (2022) and currently lives in Los Angeles with his husband. You can learn more about his work at doctor-yogi.com and enlightenedyogacollective.com.

Additional Resources 

• The Enlightened Yoga Collective – Join Dr. Andrew McGonigle’s free online community for yoga teachers to access anatomy, physiology, and business education.

• doctor-yogi.com – Learn more about Andrew’s work, books, and upcoming courses.

• The Physiology of Yoga by Andrew McGonigle – A deeper dive into the science of yoga and the body.

• beYogi Yoga Teacher Insurance – Protect your teaching practice with affordable, all-inclusive coverage.

• Webinar Slides

• Webinar Resource List