Therapeutic yoga

Etymology: from the Sanskrit word योग, yoga (union, method), the root of the word is cognate with English yoke.

What is therapeutic yoga?

Yoga often leads to physical and mental improvement in people who practice it. The therapeutic approach uses the different principles of yoga to bring relief and recovery. The goal is to create an internal balance to improve wellbeing.

This therapy requires your participation. You are the person who creates this transformation process. For the feeling of well-being to sustain over time, you will have to continue the work started with your teacher on a daily basis at home.

You will be guided by your teacher and supported by different props. Your teacher’s goal is to give you the keys to practice yoga so that you can achieve your goals on your own.

Often the postures are held for longer periods of time to calm the nervous system and help you let go. The idea is less about engaging the body on the physical level, but rather on a deeper level, with an internal effect often described as organic in yoga.

In this way, the body and mind can adapt smoothly.

When and why should you do yoga?

This approach can be used for different purposes:

Helping to manage sub-acute or chronic injury/pain
Managing stress and anxiety
Facilitating acceptance and non-judgment
Helping to cultivate mindfulness
Facilitating deep breathing
Adapting a more gentle yoga practice
Improving overall health and well-being

Managing stress and anxiety

What is the training needed to teach therapeutic yoga?

To become a therapeutic yoga teacher, an initial yoga training of around 200 hours is required. Then, a yoga teacher can pursue various specializations, including therapeutic yoga.

Therapeutic yoga training covers a variety of skills, including deepening anatomical and physiological knowledge, making the connection between immunity and the digestive or lymphatic system, assessing an individual’s health condition and knowing how to set up a therapeutic intervention plan if necessary, and understanding the impact of breathing on the various system

What is a yoga session like at our CMI Clinics in Montreal?

These yoga sessions are individually tailored to your needs and abilities and take place at our CMI clinic in Longueuil. It is possible to participate virtually in the yoga sessions via ZOOM. Each session lasts one hour.

In the first meeting, there will be a short assessment and questioning period regarding your injury history, your health and your goals for the session.

Afterwards, your teacher will guide you towards certain postures that target your objectives. Postures are often adapted and supported to ensure your comfort and minimize the risk of injury.

If you are not able to come to the studio, can attend virtual classes. If you do not have yoga equipment at home, you can use props such as a chair, cushions, or others. A yoga mat is highly recommended.

Techniques, postures and exercises used in therapeutic yoga

You will try out different yoga poses with the support of your teacher and equipment (e.g. a bolster, block, strap, chair) to support you.

For example, a downward dog could be done with the help of a chair to decrease the physical effort compared to hands on the ground.

Also, the child’s pose could be supported with a bolster and a block for your head. These adjustments can be used to increase the relaxing benefits of a posture.

The yoga class also integrates breathing, relaxation and meditation techniques. They are designed to help you relax and be more in tune with your body.

Your teacher will choose and adapt the different techniques to your needs and condition. They can also be adjusted over time.

No previous yoga experience is necessary as you will be guided by your teacher.

A closer look at postures for stress management, relaxation and back pain

You can learn many poses depending on the conditions and the reason for your consultation. Here are two examples:

Child’s pose

Child’s pose can be used for a variety of reasons. For example, it may be done to relieve back pain or for relaxation purposes.

Once on your hands and knees, slide your knees apart so that they are wider than your hips. Then slowly bring your pelvis down to your feet and lower your upper body to the floor to rest your forehead on your mat or a block.

Inverted Lake Pose or Viparita Karani

The Inverted lake pose generally brings a sense of relaxation. While lying on your back, press your legs against the wall, lift your pelvis and place it on a cushion or bolster. Your palms should face the ceiling and you should keep your chin slightly down.

Costs of a yoga session

The cost of a therapeutic yoga session is not covered by the RAMQ.

Need a therapeutic yoga session?

Make an appointment quickly and let us heal you at one of our CMI Clinics