Adaptive Yoga and Physiotherapy
Adaptive Yoga takes the original principles of Yoga and adapts the poses and practices so that they can be experienced by everyone regardless of their level of ability. This includes people who have had a stroke, wheelchair users, amputees, people with spinal cord injuries, chronic pain sufferers and many more.
Adaptive Yoga was developed by Matthew Sanford, an American who suffered a complete spinal cord injury as a teenager. More about his approach can be found here MindBodySolution .
Jenny has trained with MindBodySolutions Europe to add adaptive yoga to her years of neurophysiotherapy experience and lead small groups in experiencing the holistic mind and body approach of Yoga.
Just a personal note to thank you for all your effort and hard work, what can I say? Without you we would not have our mum back. I thank you with all our hearts.
J P – Son of client in Newton Abbot.
What is involved in an Adaptive Yoga class?
Yoga is an ancient practice, originating in India over 5,000 years ago. Yoga means “union” or “yoke” and so is about engaging the whole person; mind, body and soul.
Each class will include work around centering into the body, breathwork and varied asanas (poses) to improve posture, flexibility, strength and reduce pain. Most importantly the class will focus on resolving the mind-body disconnect that occurs with chronic or traumatic health conditions.
Various props will be used to increase your awareness of the body’s boundaries and support your pose and hands on guidance may be given to help you experience the pose fully.
Each class will end with a period of relaxation and guided meditation.
The class is an hour long. The classes run in blocks of 6 and are run weekly. Classes are kept small to allow a personal focus and sufficient support. To support social distancing measures, currently classes have a maximum of 6 people.
What if I can’t move one of my limbs or do it “properly”?
There is no right or wrong way to complete a pose. Each person’s practice is their own personal experience and the aim is not to achieve the same position as anyone else or an “ideal” but to experience the movement and inner position of your body in those positions.
Everyone has an internal representation of their body and a continuous flow of energy and messages, regardless of sensation or the ability to move. Adaptive Yoga is about exploring and teaching you this underlying inner body experience. By working from within, you will improve your general well being and confidence in your body. Studies have shown that regular yoga practice can reduce pain, depression and anxiety as well as improve blood pressure, strength, flexibility and confidence. Gentle hands on guidance can also be given to help you experience the pose.
When are the classes?
Classes are run on a Monday morning at our clinic based at Ipplepen Business Park. The class is at 11.15am for one hour. Places must be prebooked and an assessment is required prior to attendance to ensure a safe and effective experience.
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