Yoga is an excellent practice that can help with a number of conditions that you see in your clinic as a Physiotherapist. In this article, we discuss the benefits of incorporating Yoga into your Physiotherapy practice, as well as detailing any training and qualifications required.
So how can Yoga and Physiotherapy be combined? Yoga and Physiotherapy share a number of underlying concepts towards the health and wellbeing of an individual, and as such can be beneficial towards Physiotherapy goals, such as posture and positioning, pain relief, strength, range of motion, and flexibility.
Read on to discover more benefits of teaching Yoga at your Physiotherapy clinic and the courses available to your team.
When Could Yoga be Recommended as Part of a Physiotherapy Plan?
Some experts believe that Yoga and Physiotherapy go hand in hand, as they share a number of underlying concepts. As such, Yoga may be beneficial towards a range of concerns and goals that are commonly seen in Physiotherapy, such as:
- Range of motion
- Flexibility
- Strength and conditioning
- Pain relief
- Posture and positioning
What’s more, Yoga as an addition to other modes of Physiotherapy treatment can help you treat your patients holistically, encouraging not only a better mind and body connection, but an enhanced sense of wellbeing.
How Can You Integrate Yoga and Physiotherapy?
Yoga can be integrated into Physiotherapy through the use of various Yoga postures, breathing exercises, and/or relaxation and meditation techniques. There are a number of ways in which you can integrate Yoga and Physiotherapy, but it should always begin with a thorough assessment of your patient’s condition in order to determine an appropriate course of action.
Gentle Physiotherapy
Yoga could be offered as a more gentle form of Physiotherapy, in cases related to flexibility and range of motion. There is also scope to use Yoga as an introductory technique to help increase flexibility and range of motion, as well as decreasing pain levels before moving on to more vigorous Physiotherapy techniques, where required.
At-Home Exercises
Yoga is a great option to include in at-home exercises due to being low intensity, low impact, and being adjustable for different abilities.
Group Classes
Alternatively, Yoga is also a great disciple for group classes, if you would like to expand your practice offerings. This can be offered as standalone classes for the general public, or be worked into Physiotherapy care plans, depending on each patient’s individual requirements.
To learn more about integrating Yoga and Physiotherapy, take a look at our Level 1 Yoga Teacher Training course which will give you all of the knowledge, skills, and confidence you need to effectively bring together Yoga and Physiotherapy in your practice.
The Benefits of Integrating Yoga and Physiotherapy
The benefits of integrating Yoga and Physiotherapy goes way beyond the treatment room. Not only does Yoga offer a number of physical benefits, but it also allows individuals to become more familiar with how their physical and mental health is connected, and how Yoga can be used as a coping strategy.
Physiological Benefits
Yoga has a number of positive benefits on the body, including improved cardiovascular function, improved lung function, increased strength, increased endurance, improved range of motion, and increased flexibility.
From the perspective of Physiotherapy, however, some argue that Yoga offers enhanced cardiopulmonary function as a result of using relevant postures. This helps to improve a patient’s respiratory function which, in turn, will have a positive impact on a number of bodily functions.
Mental Health
Yoga has long been praised for its benefits to mental health, and some Physiotherapists are now beginning to capitalise on this effect with “mental mobilisation” - the process of instructing patients into specific postures that include elements of enhanced self-efficacy, self-development, or positive mind states.
Contraindications of Yoga and Physiotherapy
Yoga can be very inclusive, if delivered correctly and adapted where appropriate. However, there are some contraindications to be aware of. These patients should not necessarily be excluded, however you should plan ahead, where possible, and modify poses or offer alternatives to ensure both safety and inclusivity.
Some contraindications of Yoga include:
- Heart problems
- Hypertension
- Wrist problems
- Pregnancy
- Glaucoma
- Compromised bone and other musculoskeletal disorders
Qualifications Required for Physiotherapists to Teach Yoga Classes
Contrary to what many think, Yoga is not a regulated practice, nor is it a protected title. Yoga teacher training courses do not have to be affiliated or endorsed by any ‘alliance’ or a professional body, and teachers do not need to be healthcare professionals, or trained in healthcare to any capacity.
However, it is strongly recommended that those wishing to teach Yoga do, indeed, enrol onto a suitable Yoga Teacher Training course, and seek membership of an alliance or a professional body as many institutions will not employ a Yoga teacher without such qualifications.
At Breeze Academy, we provide Yoga Teacher Training Courses to existing healthcare professionals, such as Physiotherapists, Osteopaths, Chiropractors, Nurses, and Personal Trainers to help get your started on your Clinical Yoga journey.
Clinical Yoga Teacher Training Courses at Breeze Academy
Breeze Academy offers a Level 1 Yoga Teacher Training course for healthcare professionals, including Physiotherapists, Osteopaths, and Chiropractors. We provide you with all of the knowledge, skills, and confidence you need to incorporate Yoga into your practice.
At Breeze Academy, we have over ten years’ experience providing first class CPD courses to healthcare professionals, so you can be sure that our courses are backed by an academy with an excellent heritage, and a focus on exceptional educational experiences.
If you have any questions about our Clinical Yoga Teacher Training Course, we are more than happy to help, get in touch with us today for more information.