Most people don’t think of yoga as something that is connected to physical therapy. However, yoga is an effective way to manage a variety of conditions, maintaining flexibility and fostering movement. Yoga can be an important adjunct to physical therapy to relieve pain and aid in reducing the risk of injury.
Yoga is more than a means of relieving stress. It does relieve stress, but it is also an effective way to reduce high blood pressure, improve circulation and stimulate the immune system, and ease the pain in a variety of chronic conditions.
Yoga can be performed by individuals of any age and is particularly effective for people with neurological conditions and joint disease. It promotes better sleep and is beneficial for those engaged in programs for anger management, smoking cessation, and substance abuse. Yoga combined with physical therapy is a complete wellness solution. It is beneficial for rehabilitation, improving balance, coordination, and motor skills.
Yoga Spans Centuries
Yoga has been practiced for centuries and experts in different parts of the world have made minor modifications to the execution of yoga. However, the goal remains the same – to align the body and mind. Specific physical positions are used to benefit musculoskeletal health and posture and promote breathing control.
One of the lesser known therapeutic advantages of yoga is its ability to affect mental and emotional health. These are necessary ingredients for successful recoveries and rehabilitation. Yoga aids in relieving anxiety and depression following injuries, during rehabilitation and prolonged recovery times.
A physical therapist can identify and improve range of motion, strength, stability and posture using scientifically validated strategies, procedures, and techniques. Yoga can provide the ‘psychological foundation’ for long term health and treatment and is a valuable adjunct to the evidence-based approach of physical therapy.
Combining Physical Therapy and Yoga
Depending upon the patient and their individual needs, yoga can be combined with skilled physical therapy. It is effective as a biofeedback tool to assist patients in monitoring and improving a sense of well-being.
As a combination, yoga and physical therapy can address an individual’s medical condition, injury or dysfunction. The result is improved body awareness and flexibility with a boost in balance and coordination
Ask your physical therapists if combination therapy such as yoga and physical therapy is right for you. Our goal is the same as yours – to help you live a happy, healthy and productive life. Let’s use the most cutting edge science about human anatomy and function (physical therapy) and centuries worth of movement psychology (yoga) and find the plan that works best for you. Call us today to learn more!