Using Yoga for Physical Therapy

yoga in physical therapy

Yoga has become a daily activity for 20 million Americans. Benefits described by participants typically include pain relief, strengthening of our muscles and improvement in managing anxiety and depression. But, aside from these benefits, can we use yoga for physical therapy and recovering from an injury?

In fact, in 2004 the American College of Sports Medicine noted that physical activity can increase and maintain bone density mass in children and adults, as long as the body gets enough calcium to start with.

With decreased bone mineral density, the vertebrae weaken and become vulnerable to collapse. Add poor posture to a weakened spine, and the likelihood of vertebral fracture increases.

The weight-bearing exercises of yoga therapy can address this problem.

As in traditional physical therapy, trained therapists can design an exercise program tailored to your age and flexibility that incorporates yoga poses and breathing exercises.

Yoga in Physical  Therapy:

Practiced with awareness and caution under the guidance of a trained professional, this therapy also:

  • promotes good posture and coordination through weight-bearing poses—including arm balances, inversions and standing poses
  • enhances bone strength (weight bearing on a single limb)
  • improves muscles’ endurance, elasticity and stamina
  • increases blood flow to promote healing, relieve pain and decrease inflammation
  • increases flexibility
  • improves balance
  • restores range of motion and function

The practice of Yoga no longer involves just stretching, either. From hot yoga (Bikram) to “power yoga” (derived from ashtanga yoga), you can get quite a workout using yoga poses. If you’re looking to get started, begin by trying these 10 yoga poses.

Ultimately, yoga is a tool used by physical therapists to treat a variety of musculoskeletal conditions. A physical therapist trained in yoga therapy can show you what this ancient form of exercise can do for you.

To avoid injury, do not try yoga without professional guidance or push yourself too zealously.

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