As a licensed massage therapist specializing in chronic pain for almost 20 years I felt there was a need to bring a form of yoga to many of my clients. Massage therapy is beneficial for many, especially those dealing with chronic pain. However, what I’m able to offer as a massage therapist in a session, is short term.
… retain / regain movement function typically lost with aging and chronic pain.
I’ve been suggesting yoga to my clients who are typically between the ages of 40 and 75, equally male and female. Most of them are dealing with some form of chronic pain including frozen shoulder, scoliosis, neuropathy, disc herniations, migraines and joint replacements to name a few.
The response from my clients when I’ve suggested trying yoga has been… “there’s no way I can do yoga, I’m not flexible, my body doesn’t move like that”.
I decided to focus on developing a type of “Mindful Movement” program that was inspired by some basic yoga poses. The intent is to assist my clients on improving the quality of their lives by sharing ways to move daily to manage some of their chronic pain when they’re not in a massage session with me.
Participants are diverse in age, gender and abilities. Use of the chairs has been an important aspect for some, especially as we have been focusing on balance and stability.
Each session begins slowly with mindful breath work.
We then moved into a series of movements to warm up joints and various muscle groups to increase movement and flexibility.
A flow of a standing yoga poses, with chair modifications for those in need is where we pull our movements together.
Sessions end with additional breath work and a short meditation. The overall focus is on being mindful of posture, movements and intention of activity, emphasizing how beneficial even gentle movement can be daily.
What people are saying:
-my shoulder pain is 75% better immediately after class and continuing on.
-thank you for the session this morning, it lifted me physically and my spirits.
-this is exactly the movement I was looking for, not too little, not too intense.
-as you know I have always been resistant to going to yoga classes for many reasons. however, you have made your class such a safe place to practice yoga regardless of ability.
