5 Reasons why Clinical Yoga could be helpful for you.
Have you ever wondered what Clinical Yoga is?
Clinical Yoga is the space where Yoga and Physiotherapy meet and it’s excellent for you if you are new to Yoga, or returning to Yoga following an injury or a break in physical activity, writes Laura Lipparoni, MISCP, Chartered Physiotherapist, Yoga Teacher and founder of Bay Area Yoga.
As a Chartered Physiotherapist, I work with people recovering from a variety of injuries and illnesses from sprains to strokes. Several years ago, I realized that traditional exercises did not suit everyone and I started to incorporate more Yoga and even Pranayama (breathwork) into my sessions with clients. From that point onwards it snowballed as clients started to really see the therapeutic benefits of Yoga for themselves.
So, what exactly does Clinical Yoga involve?
Clinical Yoga is an individualized Yoga program that is created and delivered by a trained healthcare professional to meet specific needs.
It involves a brief physical Physiotherapy assessment, we discuss your exact needs and create individualized goals, and then create a Yoga practice to help you meet those goals.
It’s the space where Yoga and Physiotherapy meet – where East meets West.
A Clinical Yoga program involves all the same Yoga postures that you would typically experience in a Yoga class, however, the postures selected as well as how they are practiced, are specific to your needs. This makes it perfect for almost anybody.
Here are 5 reasons why Clinical Yoga could be helpful for you:
1. New to Yoga
If you are new to Yoga and concerned that joining a group class might not be for you because you are managing an injury or limitation.
Being a beginner is never easy because it places us outside of our comfort zone entirely, and if you are managing an injury or illness, it’s even more intimidating to step into a class (especially if you have a physical disability or hearing or visual impairment).
Clinical Yoga is more than a one-to-one Yoga class, it gives you back your voice. What I mean is that you have input into what does or doesn’t work for your body, and the opportunity to participate and discuss your medical or physical needs with a trained professional (me).
My experience as a Physiotherapist and my Advanced Yoga teacher training have equipped me to adapt Yoga to suit all bodies.
2. Returning to your Yoga practice
If you are thinking of returning to your Yoga practice after an injury or illness. Clinical yoga offers you the opportunity to let me know what your challenges are so we can help get you back practicing.
I have worked with clients with a wide range of conditions from sprains to strokes ranging from 18 to 80.
We have worked on flexibility, strengthening, mindful movement and even meditation techniques.
3. Returning to Yoga after pregnancy
If you Pregnant or if you are returning to Yoga after pregnancy. As a trained Prenatal and Postnatal yoga teacher and a mom, I understand that mainstream yoga classes are not always suitable.
Clinical Yoga sessions allow each client to discuss individual concerns or needs ranging from Diastasis Rectus to Pelvic Girdle Pain or even managing ligament laxity in pregnancy.
4. Supplement your fitness program
If you are looking to supplement your fitness program. For those that are fit and exercise regularly but perhaps feel the need to focus on flexibility or mobility more.
This might even suit you if you are a professional athlete and are interested in improving your overall fitness or athletic performance.
5. If you have a body
If you have a body. Yes, you heard me. Yoga is for everybody. Yoga is a beautiful practice and it never ceases to amaze me how transformative it can be. Don’t let any reason get in the way of you discovering your Yoga practice.
With Love Laura.
“If you have a body and you can breathe, you can do Yoga.”
-Donna Farhi
