Dr. Camille Foster, PT, DPT, ATC, cert DN, RYT-200
According to the APTA: “Physical therapists are movement experts who improve quality of life through prescribed exercise, hands-on-care, and patient education.
Physical therapists diagnose and treat individuals of all ages…Many patients have injuries, disabilities, or other health conditions that need treatment. PTs also care for people who simply want to become healthier and to prevent future problems. Physical therapists examine each person and then develops a treatment plan to improve their ability to move, reduce or manage pain, restore function and prevent disability.”
Yoga is the union and harmony of the body, mind, and interaction with the internal and external environment. Yoga represents a systemic practice of physical movement, breath control, relaxation and meditation. The physical practice of yoga helps with strength and flexibility, however, when pre-existing muscle imbalances and underlying instabilities exist in the body there is an increased risk for injury with repetitive movement patterns.
Physical therapy is designed to identify these imbalances and movement dysfunctions and, thus, a PT and yoga practitioner who is knowledgeable in postures, can really be an asset to preventing injury in your practice. Yoga instructors with a physical therapy background can assist your practice as they are:
- equipped to adapt or modify a practice to a person’s condition or disability due to their knowledge of the human body
2. skilled in manual therapy techniques, and utilize tools and clinical knowledge to individually assess and treat limitations and restrictions in a specific poses
3. skilled at identifying muscle imbalances and poor movement strategies that put your body at risk for injury.
4. trained in identifying pathological conditions that may require additional medical attention and avoiding risk of damaging joints, muscles, tendons and ligaments further.
5. able to assist with identifying methods for cross training in order to avoid repetitive strain or load due to constant movement patterns and identify exercises and activities to help strengthen specific muscle groups for optimal alignment and movement strategies.
Physical therapist’s can really be an asset to keeping you safe and helping you understand your body during your physical yoga practice. Ask a Yogi PT like myself @ alignrightpt@gmail.com how we can help you with improving your practice today.
Disclaimer: The views expressed in this article are based on the opinion of the author, unless otherwise noted, and should not be taken as personal medical advice. The information provided is intended to help readers make their own informed health and wellness decisions.