Therapeutic Yoga

Therapeutic Yoga applies yoga practices — asana, pranayama, meditation, and yogic philosophy — specifically to address health conditions, injuries, or chronic diseases. Unlike a general yoga class, therapeutic yoga is individualized to the specific needs and limitations of each practitioner.

Therapeutic Yoga vs. General Yoga Classes

The key distinctions of therapeutic yoga:

• Individualized: Sequences designed for one person's specific condition, not a general class
• Medical context: Often involves collaboration with healthcare providers
• Outcome-focused: Progress is measured against specific health outcomes
• Highly modified: Poses are extensively adapted using props and variations

Common Applications

Therapeutic yoga has been applied to:

• Musculoskeletal: Back pain, neck pain, scoliosis, joint conditions
• Neurological: Parkinson's disease, multiple sclerosis, post-stroke rehabilitation
• Mental health: Anxiety, depression, PTSD, trauma
• Chronic disease: Cancer recovery, heart disease, autoimmune conditions
• Women's health: Endometriosis, PCOS, menopause symptoms

Yoga Therapy as a Profession

The International Association of Yoga Therapists (IAYT) has established educational standards and credentials for yoga therapists. Certified yoga therapists (C-IAYT) complete 800+ hours of specialized training beyond standard yoga teacher certification.

Equipment

Therapeutic yoga relies heavily on props. Extensive use of bolsters, blocks, straps, blankets, chairs, and walls makes props as important as — or more important than — the mat itself. A thick, comfortable mat supports the extensive floor-based and supported work central to therapeutic practice.