As a Physio and Yoga Therapist, I have found that movement and breathing is so important after an injury and if used correctly can quickly relieve symptoms, improve function and strengthen the body.

 

An assessment at YogaPlusPhysio will identify where help is needed and from there prescribe an individualised program, mainly encompassing therapeutic Yoga techniques with elements chosen to keep your needs and goals in mind.  Yoga therapy uses different tools of Yoga (Yoga Postures or Asana, Breathing techniques or Pranayama, sound,  visualisation and mindfulness ) to bring specific effects or outcomes according to the unique needs of the individual, YOU!

These techniques have an effect on the whole body and mind, and are very enjoyable to practice. Enjoyment is so important as it builds confidence, contributes to your ability to bring your program into your everyday life and also has a hugely positive effect on your nervous system, encouraging your body to find its own natural way to healing and comfort.

 
 

Prevent Future Occurrence

Often in our bodies we have predisposing factors that can contribute to pain and injury. These can be a result of long term poor postural and movement patterns. It is important that these factors are addressed so that you can help prevent future re-occurrence of your problem, or even prevent other issues from manifesting.

How Yoga Therapy Works for You

Over a period of time, you will be empowered to make shifts, in bite sized pieces towards resolving pain, restoring function and then working on strengthening both the affected areas as well as your whole system, to help prevent future re-occurrence and development of other issues. You will be guided through this process, but ultimately, you will learn how Yoga Therapy works for you!

Going Forward

This approach will eventually lessen your dependence on physios and other medical practitioners as it is very holistic, educational and self empowering.

When you are ready it is advisable to continue to manage your condition by attending Yogaplusphysio classes or more general Yoga classes as you become stronger and fitter.  Regular home practice will of course be the key and you will be supported and encouraged to bring this into your lifestyle. 

Often times people may present with a combination of many conditions, some longstanding and some new. Yoga Therapy can encompass and move you forward from wherever you are. It is a complimentary medicine and will in no way interfere with any other treatment you may be having. 

As a Physiotherapist of 35 years experience, I have an extra keen eye and understanding of health conditions and especially those of musculo-skeletal origin and use this knowledge interwoven with my expertise in Yoga Therapy, as the perfect blend!

The benefits of Yogatherapy can be very profound and much more far reaching than you can imagine….just try it!

PHYSIOTHERAPY/YOGA THERAPY HAS BEEN HELPFUL FOR MANY CONDITIONS SUCH AS:

  • Spinal pain;
  • Peripheral joint pain (knees, hips, shoulders etc);
  • Frozen shoulder;
  • Ankylosing spondylitis;
  • Recovery after surgery such as knee reconstruction, total joint replacements;
  • Other conditions such as insomnia, asthma and hypertension;
  • Recovery from cancer treatment; and
  • Many other conditions.

When pain persists our nervous system becomes over sensitised.  Neuro-scientists call this ‘central sensitisation’. When this occurs, sometimes even safe and healthy movements are perceived as painful and dangerous and we avoid them.

This changes the physiology of our body as it weakens and tightens and in turn increases the sensitivity of our nervous system further.

More importantly, if it is allowed to continue over a long period of time, we may stop doing many things and our lifestyle gradually changes, losing the very things that give our lives meaning. Our relationships and our ability to look after ourselves can suffer. We constantly try to avoid pain and it becomes our focus. We don’t have time and energy and most important of all, confidence to pursue the things that bring fulfilment and meaning to our lives. Does this sound like you? Read on….

Biopsychosocial Approach

A ‘biopsychosocial approach’ entails looking at factors such as:

  • biomechanical factors such as weakness and tightness;

  • habitual postures;

  • movement patterns;

  • beliefs about our pain;

  • our emotions;

  • our social situation;

  • lifestyle and

  • stress factors

  • what gives our life meaning

By taking a more holistic (bio-psycho-social) approach, considering all the relevant factors that influence our situation, we can be helped to let go of some of our struggles. If we can calm the nervous system and begin to move our bodies, change and improvement is possible.

 

Mindfulness (being aware) of thoughts and movement, breathing, changing the mental focus using visualisation, sound or distraction and many other techniques can be invaluable in helping us move toward better health based on value and meaning, rather than being stuck in fear and worry.

Learn more

Have a look at this quick video to gain more understanding. You may be able to relate to some of the things they say.

Mindfulness based therapy (ACT, see www.actmindfully.com.au ) can help us to understand our pain, our thoughts and our consequent stress and suffering. By stepping a little aside from our situation we can feel more empowered to manage our pain and be able to get on with our lives and enjoy those things that give us meaning, such as our relationships, work, health and fitness……….

 

Maybe you are enjoying relatively good health but have a yearning to become more healthy  and would like to develop a home practice that will be of maximum benefit toyou? Even relatively healthy people can benefit from some specific Therapy and engaging in a consistent home Yoga practice can certainly be the way to optimise your health and help steer you away from future problems.

“I have been a regular participant in Sonja’s beginners’ class over the past two years. I enjoy every class as each time Sonja leads our practice with a blend of familiar and new challenges. Sonja offers alternatives to suit every level and encourages each individual to reach awareness and mindfulness of their own body. I leave refreshed and relaxed.”
— Jonna