Two forms of practice that enhance the physical health of an individual are general yoga and physical therapy yoga. While it may seem that both of these techniques are the same, the strategy, approach, and aims differ. Although they share some similarities, these two methods have distinct goals and techniques. Here are four differences between yoga and physical therapy movements:
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1. Purpose
During yoga, an instructor guides you through various poses, focusing on both your mind and body. This means yoga helps manage physical issues, emotional health problems, and mental health conditions like stress and anxiety. For your physical well-being, a yoga therapist can help you attain flexibility, better posture, and balance, among other goals.
Physical therapy yoga focuses only on the body, addressing physical injuries, limitations, or rehabilitation needs. If you’re recovering from surgery or experiencing back, arthritis, or neck pain, this type of therapy is suitable for you. Depending on your objectives, this form of yoga helps you reduce soreness, regain strength, and improve how you move.
2. Process
You can practice yoga in different settings, such as yoga studios, community centers, or online platforms, depending on your preference. Whether you are a beginner, immediate, or an experienced yogi, you have the option of choosing sessions based on your skills. You may also choose specific goals you intend to attain during your yoga classes, including relaxation, range of motion, and strength-building. Sessions begin with a warm-up involving gentle movements and deep breathing to prepare participants for the main practice.
During physical therapy, a professional reviews your physical condition, pain levels, and areas that require attention. A physical therapist assists you in choosing postures that are suitable and helpful for your health condition. They also encourage you to use props that assist you in performing poses safely and correctly, boosting comfort.
3. Techniques Used
Yoga includes different poses like downward facing dog, tree pose, and warrior II that aim to improve your overall wellness. This practice also involves breathing exercises that you relax, become more energized, and get ready for meditation. During yoga, you meditate with the guidance of an instructor, helping you clear your mind and balance emotions.
In physical therapy, the movements are gentle and controlled, helping you improve mobility without straining. Your therapist may incorporate minor stretching into your sessions to avoid pain and discomfort as the body heals. Other methods entail using a chair in standing poses to provide support and stability.
4. Progress Checking
In regular yoga classes, you monitor progress on your own by noticing improvements in your strength or better mind clarity. Some yoga instructors provide feedback during group classes or one-on-one sessions, helping you assess and refine your practice. Once you know how to strike some poses properly, you can move to more advanced movements.
With physical therapy yoga, a specialist monitors the entire process by measuring physical changes such as range of motion, strength, and pain levels. A therapist writes down changes and keeps patient records to help them adjust, depending on how they’re progressing. If you have home exercise programs, a physical therapist checks on you to see if you are following the routine. As a patient, you can inform your therapist if the pain is reducing or if other symptoms are back to allow the professional to adjust your treatment.
Sign Up for Physical Therapy Yoga
If you have chronic pain from different health issues, injuries, or surgeries, physical therapy movements can be ideal for bringing relief. A qualified physical therapist works with you throughout your session and monitors your progress. Register today for online physical therapy yoga classes.