Physio Yoga: A Synergy of Physical Therapy & Yoga

Do you experience pain during your yoga practice or have an injury that's holding you back? Are you confident that your form is optimal for your joints and sustainable for the long term? As a 500-hour certified yoga teacher and physical therapist, I understand the importance of combining proper technique with the healing benefits of yoga. I’ve studied hatha and ashtanga vinyasa yoga, along with yoga philosophy, meditation, and pranayama in Kerala, India. By integrating clinical physical therapy with ancient Yogic traditions, I help my clients safely deepen their practice and achieve long-lasting results.

History of Yoga

Yoga is an ancient system of relaxation, exercise, and healing with origins in Indian philosophy. The first known work is “The Yoga Sutras,” written more than 2,000 years ago, although yoga may have been practiced up to 5,000 years ago. The Yoga Sutra outlines the eight limbs of yoga — Yamas (restraint), Niyamas (observances), Asana (postures), Pranayama (breathing), Pratyahara (withdrawal of senses), Dharana (concentration), Dhyana (meditation), and Samadhi (absorption). Today, most yoga practitioners engage in Asana, which focuses on physical movement to improve balance, flexibility, and strength. At KNOSIS Physiotherapy and Wellness, we integrate these principles into our approach, ensuring safe movement practices and drawing from all limbs of yoga philosophy to guide our clients' wellness journeys. Our unique center specializes in blending yoga practices with rehabilitation and movement health, working with clients at all yoga levels.

Popularity of Yoga

Yoga has grown in popularity worldwide, including right here in the United States. It’s now practiced by more than 300 million people globally. In the last 5 years, the number of yoga practitioners in the U.S. has increased by 50%. If you're part of the 16.9% of adults in the U.S. practicing yoga in 2022, you're in good company. Women are more likely to practice yoga than men, with 23.3% of women practicing compared to 10.3% of men.

Injury Prevalence

Yoga studios are plentiful, especially in New York City. Unfortunately, without proper guidance, yoga-related injuries are also abundant. The US Consumer Product Safety Commission estimates there were more than 7,000 yoga-related injuries that require medical treatment in 2010; the last year data was available. Additional studies show the rate will likely continue to increase. That’s why it’s important to practice yoga at a studio with well-trained instructors and know where to go if you are experiencing pain in your Yoga practice.

Asanas to Train the Physical Body and Mind

Asanas (yoga poses or postures) are powerful tools that train the physical body and serve as a pathway to a centered mind. However, if performed incorrectly, they can pose risks for injury or discomfort. At KNOSIS, our Physio Yoga approach empowers individuals to adopt a safe asana practice that honors the unique needs of their body. This personalized practice enhances physical health and helps individuals fully embrace the mind-body connection of yoga. By understanding and respecting your unique physical capabilities, you align the body and calm the nervous system, creating the foundation for deeper mental clarity and emotional balance.

What is Physio Yoga?

Physio Yoga integrates the principles of physical therapy with yogic tradition, creating a harmonious balance between body mechanics and mindful movement. Physio Yoga sessions at KNOSIS are conducted by yoga-certified physical therapists who bring a deep understanding of anatomy, injury prevention, and rehabilitation. This approach ensures that each asana (pose) is performed with optimal alignment and mechanics, minimizing the risk of injury and enhancing the therapeutic benefits.

The Benefits of Physio Yoga

Injury Prevention and Rehabilitation: If you're recovering from an injury or looking to prevent one, Physio Yoga can be incredibly beneficial. By focusing on proper alignment and mechanics, our therapists guide clients through safe and effective movements, ensuring that asanas are performed correctly to minimize the risk of injury and/or facilitate injury healing.

Pain Management: For those suffering from chronic pain conditions, Physio Yoga offers a gentle yet effective way to manage symptoms. Techniques such as neurodynamic exercises and mindful breathing are incorporated to reduce pain and improve functional movement.

Enhanced Mobility and Strength: Combining the stretching and strengthening elements of yoga with the corrective exercises of physical therapy, Physio Yoga helps improve mobility, strength, and balance. This holistic approach not only enhances physical performance but also fosters a deeper connection between body and mind.

Individualized Programs: Each Physio Yoga session is tailored to the individual's specific needs. Whether you're dealing with chronic pain, recovering from an injury or surgery, or seeking to deepen your yoga practice, our therapists design personalized yoga programs that address your unique body structure and goals. This customized approach ensures that every session is both effective and enjoyable.

A Typical Physio Yoga Session

A Physio Yoga session at KNOSIS can take various forms depending on the client’s specific needs and goals. While some sessions may resemble a traditional yoga class with a focus on asanas and breath work, others might be structured more like a physical therapy session, emphasizing therapeutic exercises, manual techniques, and targeted rehabilitation strategies.

Assessment:

Every session begins with a thorough and welcoming assessment to identify the client's specific needs, goals, and any areas of concern. This helps in tailoring the session to be as effective and beneficial as possible.

Customized Approach:

Depending on the assessment, the session might include a blend of yoga poses for mobility and strength, corrective exercises to address specific dysfunctions, or manual therapy techniques to alleviate pain and improve mobility.

Mindful Movement:

Whether the session leans more towards yoga or physical therapy, mindful movement and proper alignment are central. This ensures that all activities are performed safely and effectively.

Breath Work:

Incorporating breath work to promote relaxation, enhance focus, and optimize the therapeutic benefits of the session. We also emphasize teaching proper breathing mechanics to improve overall respiratory function.

Adaptability:

Each session is highly adaptable, with the flexibility to change focus based on the client’s progress and feedback. This personalized approach ensures that every session meets the evolving needs of the client.

Choosing Physio Yoga at KNOSIS

Through my years of movement practice, clinical training in physical therapy, and yoga study in India, I’ve continuously deepened my understanding of the human body, which has profoundly enriched my own yoga practice. I believe that fully immersing oneself in asana practice means understanding the intricacies of each pose and how they can adapt and evolve for each individual on any given day. Building both an intellectual and intuitive grasp of safe asana practice allows for a deeper exploration of the other limbs of Yoga.

Choosing Physio Yoga at KNOSIS means you’re opting for my expertise as an orthopedic and pelvic floor physical therapist with years of experience in diagnosing and optimizing movement. I integrate my knowledge of body alignment and biomechanics into regular yoga practice, empowering you with the tools and understanding needed to reach your unique goals. At KNOSIS, I’m dedicated to supporting your journey toward health and well-being, making our center a sanctuary for those seeking to balance their body and mind through yoga and physical therapy.