You may know that there are various forms of yoga – including some that can really have you working up a sweat. While most people understand that the range of types of yoga make it appealing to people of all ages and fitness levels, not as many are aware that regular yoga practice can also be a beneficial component to physical therapy.
For those who have suffered an injury or are working through physical limitations via physical therapy, one form of yoga – known as restorative yoga – can not only expedite the healing process but help you become even stronger through it. As dedicated yoga professionals, we’re committed to helping people become their best with an approach to physical and emotional health through focused yoga movements. If you’re undergoing physical therapy or are concerned about someone who is, here’s a bit more information about restorative yoga and how it can complement traditional treatment.
What Is Restorative Yoga?
Restorative yoga is a form of yoga that focuses on relaxation and gentle movement with the use of props as necessary to aid in the healing of injured or fatigued muscles, bones and other supporting structures. The goal of restorative yoga is to slowly and gently build strength by doing fewer asanas but holding them for a longer length of time.
Restorative yoga triggers the parasympathetic nervous system, which is involved in how your body perceives, responds to and heals from stress. So, as you’re practicing restorative yoga, not only are you healing and building a stronger body, but also addressing the natural stress responses to pain and injury.
3 Ways That Restorative Yoga Compliments Physical Therapy
There’s no reason to subscribe to the “no pain, no gain” philosophy when it comes to healing and recovery for your body. Restorative yoga is a gentle, effective form of exercise that can be adapted to an individual’s injury or current physical limitations. Here are 3 benefits that illustrate how well restorative yoga compliments physical therapy.
Improved Responsiveness of Muscular Tissue
Restorative yoga improves muscular response to exercise. The poses used stimulate a tissue that surrounds your muscles called fascia. This powerhouse of connective tissue has a significant role in how the muscles function, move and perceive pan. Restorative yoga stimulates nerve receptors in fascia and results in an overall increase in muscle responsiveness.
Build Body Awareness
Many times, the focus of physical therapy is solely on healing and building strength in the injured or affected areas. Of course, this is important but restorative yoga serves to also build a greater sense of awareness of how the body moves and responds to certain movements. For example, someone suffering from a knee injury can also benefit from a greater sense of balance and body awareness to prevent additional injury in the future.
Speedier Recovery
Anyone that has ever suffered an injury that limited their physical capabilities understands firsthand how frustrating it can be to put your life on hold during the healing process. Proper recovery requires baby steps and can take a long time. While there’s no magic cure for expediting the healing process, regular restorative yoga practice can help remove some of the barriers to healing by reducing pain and stiffness while increasing flexibility.
Let Us Introduce You to Physical Therapy Yoga
If you’re undergoing physical therapy or have an injury or condition that prevents you from a full range of mobility, we’re here to talk to you about solutions such as physical therapy yoga. Our experienced staff can work with you to develop a routine specifically for you. Contact Yogacorefit today to learn more.