Yoga and physical therapy aren't traditionally used in combination for treating and rehabilitating injuries. However, with yoga's mind-body approach to exercise, physical therapists have discovered a variety of benefits for their clients. By combining physical and mental disciplines, a physical therapy client can manage stress and pain while regaining strength and function. However, physical therapists must earn a yoga certification before incorporating the practice into a physical therapy program.
Types
Similar to any specialty certification in the health and medical field, there are many yoga certifications for physical therapists. Most certifications designed for medical specialists include distinct levels based on the intended use. For example, the Yoga Therapy Rx certification has three certificate levels with each progressing in depth of course material and specific training. The Therapeutic Yoga certification is another one used by health care professionals. It teaches how to safely and effectively apply yoga poses into a physical therapy program.
Function
Every physical therapy overview will integrate yoga differently into its overall rehabilitation program based on the individual client. Rachel Krentzman, licensed physical therapist, uses yoga poses and techniques for achieving long-term relief from pain for clients. Krentzman combines the yoga principles with traditional physical therapy practices to realign and stabilize the client's body. Overall, the yoga poses provide a natural healing process using various movements to help prevent additional surgeries or injuries.
Benefits
There are a variety of benefits associated with yoga and physical therapy. One is pain relief from various conditions such as cancer, multiple sclerosis, arthritis and auto-immune diseases. The yoga poses and breathing techniques promote relaxation to relieve stress that can cause pain and anxiety. You can also incorporate hands-on healing techniques to reduce the effects of scar tissue and adhesions after injuries or surgeries. Additional benefits include improved flexibility, increased range of motion and strength in the joints and muscles.
Continuing Education
After earning a yoga certification, most programs require a recertification period with continuing education. The recertification ensures you maintain the proper knowledge and skills to use yoga for your clients. You can earn continuing education units for recertification by attending yoga conferences or contact hours with a certified yoga instructor.
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