Yoga Therapy for Neck, Shoulders, Back & Scoliosis

Course Description:

At the age of 16, Rachel Krentzman was diagnosed with scoliosis. At 32 she suffered a herniated disk and was told she would have to modify her activities for the rest of her life - instead, Rachel, a practicing physical therapist, is now a walking testimonial for how yoga can be used therapeutically to heal your back pain.

Scoliosis is a lateral curvature of the spine and affects 2-3 percent of the population, or an estimated 6 to 9 million people in the United States. Scoliosis is unique in that it is an asymmetrical condition and treatment must be specific to each individual’s curve in order to be effective.

In this course, we will review a ten step yoga-based approach to addressing the physical, emotional and spiritual factors for individuals struggling with scoliosis. We will review the current research in this area, anatomy and biomechanics of the different types of curves and learn how to design effective treatment strategies that are both holistic and client-centred. You will leave with tools to work with clients with scoliosis in both a private and classroom setting.

This course will also discuss chronic neck pain, which is becoming increasingly common, especially among higher income women, ages 35-49. While therapeutic exercise can offer patients prospects for more than symptomatic relief, narcotics continue to be the dominant path of treatment. Yoga-based therapy that takes a multidimensional approach addressing all layers of being provides an effective alternative method for resolving neck and upper back pain.

Course Objectives:

1. To develop an understanding of specific yoga practices and systems
2. To learn current evidence and research in therapeutic yoga for people with scoliosis
3. To review a ten step yoga-based approach to addressing the physical, emotional, and spiritual factors for individuals struggling with scoliosis
4. To review the anatomy of the cervical spine and common postural deviations
5. To investigate movement techniques for conditions including nerve impingement, thoracic outlet syndrome, tennis elbow, and carpal tunnel syndrome which you can apply directly in your clinical practice.

Audience:

This course is open to all yoga instructors and health care professionals – physiotherapists, physiotherapy students, physiotherapy assistants, occupational therapists, chiropractors, naturopathic doctors, massage therapists, registered kinesiologists, medical doctors, nurses and midwives.

**This session was recorded at the Montreal International Symposium on Therapeutic Yoga (MISTY) in March of 2017