As a former two-time Olympic gymnast, I understand the struggles one may feel with various chronic bodily pains. The sport of gymnastics can be quite hard on the body, and throughout my professional years, I had my fair share of injuries. I have spent years studying and practicing to find the exercises and proper techniques that helped me become pain-free.
You are looking at "crazy" yoga pictures on social media of people doing impossible movements that hurt just to look at. How could something for those that are abnormally flexible and fit possibly help when you are in so much pain?
You are confused and skeptical because you are unsure of what to think about yoga. You believe that doing yoga means performing acrobatic skills that require you to be in top physical condition. You probably think yoga is only for flexible people.
You give up before trying due to your judgmental misinterpretation. If you think this way, you will never discover the incredible benefits of this ancient art form. You don't need to be flexible to start with yoga! It is a myth. I, too, once thought this way.
The media has not been very inclusive when portraying yoga on screen or paper. They always show women in tight yoga pants doing super flexible poses. This has nothing to do with reality. Most people are not practicing those poses that you see on social media.
There are literally hundreds of clinical studies demonstrating the positive benefits of yoga, including pain management.
Various styles of yoga combine physical postures, breathing techniques, and meditation or relaxation. Yoga is about feeling good in your body and mind, and the main body of exercises can be practiced by anyone.
Starting alone can be hard, especially if you have never tried yoga before. There are so many different types, so choosing can be confusing.
Most people are not practicing those poses that you see on social media. You might have had some bad experiences with yoga. Why is that? Because you probably went into the wrong yoga class.
It happened to me. For example, if you were looking for a class for pain, and you went to a power yoga class or an advanced Ashtanga, you probably had a bad painful experience. The yoga class was probably good, but it wasn't designed for your problem. Unfortunately, most yoga studios don’t offer classes such as yoga for your specific pain.
When you have chronic pain, you must practice the right exercises that target your specific problem.
Jumping blindly into a yoga class can quickly exacerbate your condition. For example, if you are dealing with chronic back pain, you won’t be doing an upward-facing dog or a back bend.
You need yoga for pain. You might need to start with yoga therapy exercises first. Yoga therapy is the adaptation of yoga practices for people with health challenges. Yoga therapists prescribe specific regimens of postures, breathing exercises, and relaxation techniques to suit individual needs.
When I was experiencing chronic pain, I used Spandana therapy (a yoga therapy technique) that uses rocking movements to free up bound tissue and create a deep sense of relaxation. Addresses areas that hold tension, such as the hip, shoulders, back, and neck. It helped me tremendously. So I started using it with my clients and helped them so much with pain management.
A new study shows yoga offers dramatic benefits for chronic pain and depression.
Yoga can help people with arthritis, fibromyalgia, carpal tunnel, back pain, hip pain, and many other types of chronic pain conditions. A study published in Annals of Internal Medicine found that among 313 people with chronic low back pain, a weekly yoga class increased mobility more than standard medical care for the condition.
I have a unique program that works. You will be fascinated by how much your pain will improve in a short amount of time. You will learn to be consistent, confident, and motivated to stay pain-free and enjoy the life you deserve again.
Step by step, I will teach you how to become pain-free and leave you with the tools to stay that way.
If you are ready to start your healing journey check out my programs here.
