Most people don’t think of yoga as something that is connected to physical therapy. However, yoga is an effective way to manage a variety of conditions, maintaining flexibility and fostering movement. Yoga can be an important adjunct to physical therapy to relieve pain and aid in reducing the risk of injury.
Yoga is more than a means of relieving stress. It does relieve stress, but it is also an effective way to reduce high blood pressure, improve circulation and stimulate the immune system, and ease the pain in a variety of chronic conditions.
Yoga can be performed by individuals of any age and is particularly effective for people with neurological conditions and joint disease. It promotes better sleep and is beneficial for those engaged in programs for anger management, smoking cessation, and substance abuse. Yoga combined with physical therapy is a complete wellness solution. It is beneficial for rehabilitation, improving balance, coordination, and motor skills.
Yoga has been practiced for centuries and experts in different parts of the world have made minor modifications to the execution of yoga. However, the goal remains the same – to align the body and mind. Specific physical positions are used to benefit musculoskeletal health and posture and promote breathing control.
Depending upon the patient and their individual needs, yoga can be combined with skilled physical therapy. It is effective as a biofeedback tool to assist patients in monitoring and improving a sense of well-being.
