Yoga Therapy

Individualised yoga-based support for movement, relaxation and rehabilitation

Yoga therapy uses selected yoga-based practices in a structured and individualised way to support physical function, movement, relaxation and general wellbeing.

Rather than following a standard yoga class, yoga therapy adapts movements, breathing practices and relaxation techniques according to the individual’s health, mobility, symptoms and goals.

Within a rehabilitation setting, yoga therapy may complement physiotherapy, exercise programmes, lifestyle coaching and stress management. It should not replace appropriate medical assessment or rehabilitation when a specific injury, neurological condition or other health problem requires clinical treatment.

What is yoga therapy?

Yoga therapy applies elements of yoga according to an individual assessment rather than expecting everyone to perform the same sequence.

Sessions may include:

• Gentle movement
• Mobility exercises
• Modified yoga postures
• Strength and stability work
• Balance exercises
• Breathing practices
• Relaxation
• Body awareness
• Mindful movement

The programme can be modified according to:

• Age
• Mobility
• Physical ability
• Medical conditions
• Previous injuries
• Pain
• Exercise experience

The objective is not to achieve advanced yoga positions. The focus is on using appropriate movement and breathing practices to support meaningful health and functional goals.

Who may benefit from yoga therapy?

Yoga therapy may be considered for people who want support with:

• General mobility
• Flexibility
• Strength
• Balance
• Physical confidence
• Relaxation
• Stress management
• Persistent musculoskeletal discomfort
• Returning to movement after inactivity
• Maintaining activity during rehabilitation
• General wellbeing

It may also be useful for people who find conventional exercise difficult to maintain and prefer a slower, more mindful form of movement.

What happens during your first appointment?

The first session usually begins with a discussion about your health, current symptoms and goals.

You may be asked about:

• Medical conditions
• Previous injuries
• Previous surgery
• Current pain
• Medication
• Balance
• Mobility
• Exercise experience
• Current physiotherapy
• Previous yoga experience
• Sleep
• Stress
• Your goals

The practitioner may then observe simple movements such as:

• Standing
• Sitting
• Reaching
• Bending
• Balance
• Breathing

This helps determine which practices can be introduced safely.

An individual rather than one-size-fits-all approach

Not everyone needs the same yoga programme.

Someone recovering from surgery may need a very different session from someone using yoga therapy primarily for relaxation.

Exercises can be adapted by changing:

• Position
• Range of movement
• Duration
• Number of repetitions
• Level of support
• Balance challenge
• Breathing pattern

The programme should fit your body rather than requiring your body to fit a particular yoga pose.

Do I need previous yoga experience?

No.

Yoga therapy can be suitable for complete beginners.

You do not need to be:

• Flexible
• Strong
• Experienced with yoga
• Able to sit on the floor

Movements can be adapted to your current ability.

Some sessions may use mainly:

• Standing exercises
• Chair-based movements
• Supported positions

depending on what is most appropriate.

Yoga therapy and mobility

Yoga-based movement can be used to explore comfortable movement through different joints and body regions.

Sessions may include movement for the:

• Neck
• Shoulders
• Spine
• Hips
• Knees
• Ankles

The aim is not necessarily to maximise flexibility.

For many people, having enough comfortable movement for everyday activities is more important than achieving extreme ranges.

Yoga therapy and flexibility

Yoga is often associated with flexibility, but greater flexibility is not always the main goal.

Some people already have large ranges of movement and may benefit more from:

• Strength
• Control
• Stability

This is particularly relevant for people with hypermobility.

Stretching should therefore be selected according to individual needs rather than used automatically.

Yoga therapy and strength

Many yoga-based movements require the body to support its own weight.

Depending on ability, sessions may include exercises that challenge:

• Legs
• Hips
• Trunk
• Shoulders
• Arms

Strengthening can be gradually progressed.

However, yoga therapy may not provide enough resistance to meet every strength goal.

Additional resistance training may be recommended where greater strength or power needs to be developed.

Yoga therapy and balance

Yoga-based exercises can challenge balance through:

• Narrower standing positions
• Weight transfer
• Single-leg work
• Controlled stepping

Exercises can be supported using:

• A wall
• Chair
• Other stable surface

People with a significant falls risk may require a more detailed balance assessment before attempting challenging exercises.

Yoga therapy and breathing

Breathing practices may form part of yoga therapy.

These can focus on:

• Slower breathing
• Comfortable diaphragmatic movement
• Coordinating breathing with movement
• Relaxation

Breathing should remain comfortable.

Practices involving prolonged breath holding or aggressive breathing techniques may not be appropriate for everyone.

Breathing for relaxation

Slow breathing may help some people reduce physical tension and settle after periods of stress.

A simple approach may involve:

• Relaxing the shoulders
• Allowing the abdomen and lower ribs to move naturally
• Breathing gently
• Slowing the breathing rate

Breathing should not feel forced.

If a technique causes dizziness or discomfort, it should be stopped or modified.

Yoga therapy and stress management

Yoga therapy may be used as one part of a stress-management programme.

Sessions may combine:

• Gentle movement
• Breathing
• Relaxation
• Mindful attention

For some people, this provides a structured opportunity to slow down and reduce physical tension.

Significant anxiety, depression, trauma or other mental health concerns may still require specialist psychological or medical support.

Yoga therapy and relaxation

Relaxation practices may be included towards the end of a session or used independently.

These may involve:

• Comfortable supported positioning
• Slow breathing
• Progressive relaxation
• Body awareness

The aim is not to force the mind to become completely empty.

Instead, the practice may help reduce unnecessary physical and mental stimulation.

Yoga therapy and sleep

Gentle movement and relaxation practices may sometimes support a healthier evening routine.

A programme may include:

• Slow breathing
• Gentle mobility
• Relaxation exercises

Yoga therapy should not be considered a guaranteed treatment for insomnia.

Persistent sleep problems may require more specific sleep assessment and treatment.

Yoga therapy for back discomfort

Selected yoga-based movements may be useful for some people experiencing back discomfort.

A programme may focus on:

• Comfortable spinal movement
• Hip mobility
• Trunk control
• General strength
• Relaxation

There is no single yoga posture that is appropriate for every person with back pain.

Exercises should be selected according to:

• Symptoms
• Movement ability
• Diagnosis where relevant

Persistent or severe back pain should be appropriately assessed.

Yoga therapy for neck and shoulder discomfort

Yoga therapy may include gentle movement around the:

• Neck
• Shoulders
• Upper back

Strengthening and mobility may be combined with breathing and relaxation where appropriate.

People with persistent:

• Weakness
• Numbness
• Significant radiating pain

may require physiotherapy or medical assessment before relying on yoga-based treatment.

Yoga therapy for hip and knee problems

Yoga-based exercises may sometimes support:

• Hip mobility
• Leg strength
• Balance
• Functional movement

However, positions involving:

• Deep knee bending
• Prolonged kneeling
• Extreme hip movement

may not be suitable for everyone.

Exercises should be modified according to the condition and current physical capacity.

Yoga therapy for arthritis

People with arthritis may benefit from maintaining:

• Movement
• Strength
• General physical activity

Yoga therapy can be adapted to avoid positions that aggravate painful joints.

Options may include:

• Chair-based yoga
• Supported standing
• Reduced ranges of movement

Yoga should complement appropriate medical and rehabilitation management rather than replace it.

Yoga therapy for persistent pain

Persistent pain can lead to:

• Reduced movement
• Fear of activity
• Muscle tension
• Poor sleep

Gentle yoga-based movement may help some people gradually become more comfortable with physical activity.

Treatment may focus on:

• Comfortable movement
• Breathing
• Relaxation
• Gradual progression

The aim should not be to force painful stretches or push through significant symptoms.

Yoga therapy after injury

Returning to yoga after injury may require modification.

Some poses can place considerable demand on:

• Wrists
• Shoulders
• Knees
• Hips
• Spine

The practitioner should understand the injury and stage of rehabilitation.

Early recovery may need to prioritise physiotherapy or structured rehabilitation before more demanding yoga movements are introduced.

Yoga therapy after surgery

Yoga may sometimes be reintroduced during post-operative rehabilitation when medically appropriate.

The programme should respect:

• Healing
• Weight-bearing restrictions
• Movement restrictions
• Surgical precautions

Examples of movements that may initially require modification include:

• Deep bending
• Twisting
• Kneeling
• Weight-bearing through the arms

The surgical team's guidance should take priority.

Yoga therapy after joint replacement

People recovering from hip or knee replacement may eventually use selected yoga-based exercises to support:

• Mobility
• Strength
• Balance
• General activity

Some positions may need to be modified according to:

• Surgical approach
• Healing stage
• Individual movement restrictions

A personalised programme is preferable to returning directly to a standard class.

Yoga therapy and neurological rehabilitation

Selected yoga-based practices may be adapted for people with neurological conditions such as:

• Stroke
• Parkinson's disease
• Multiple sclerosis

Sessions may focus on:

• Movement
• Balance
• Breathing
• Body awareness
• Relaxation

The programme should reflect the individual's:

• Mobility
• Fatigue
• Coordination
• Falls risk

Yoga therapy should complement, rather than replace, neurological physiotherapy where rehabilitation is required.

Yoga therapy after stroke

Following stroke, exercises may be adapted around:

• Weakness
• Balance difficulties
• Coordination
• Reduced mobility

Chair-supported or assisted movements may be used where necessary.

People with significant balance or mobility limitations may require direct supervision.

Yoga therapy for Parkinson's disease

Selected yoga-based exercises may support:

• Mobility
• Posture
• Balance
• General movement
• Relaxation

The programme should take account of:

• Falls risk
• Freezing
• Fatigue
• Medication response

Exercises should remain practical and safe.

Yoga therapy for multiple sclerosis

People with multiple sclerosis may use modified yoga-based practices for:

• Mobility
• Balance
• Strength
• Relaxation

Sessions may need to be adjusted for:

• Fatigue
• Heat sensitivity
• Fluctuating symptoms

The intensity should reflect how the individual responds rather than following a fixed programme.

Yoga therapy for older adults

Yoga therapy can be adapted for older adults.

Sessions may use:

• Chairs
• Walls
• Supported standing

Goals may include:

• Maintaining mobility
• Improving strength
• Supporting balance
• Increasing confidence with movement

Advanced floor positions are not necessary.

Chair-based yoga therapy

Chair-based exercises may be appropriate for people who:

• Find getting onto the floor difficult
• Have reduced balance
• Are recovering from surgery
• Have limited mobility

Exercises can include:

• Seated mobility
• Breathing
• Gentle strengthening
• Supported standing movements

The programme can still provide meaningful physical activity without requiring traditional yoga positions.

Yoga therapy and falls prevention

Selected yoga exercises may contribute to improving:

• Strength
• Balance
• Body awareness

However, someone with repeated falls or significant instability should first have their falls risk assessed.

Yoga therapy should not replace a structured falls-prevention programme when more comprehensive rehabilitation is needed.

Yoga therapy during pregnancy

Yoga-based movement may be adapted during pregnancy.

Sessions may focus on:

• Gentle mobility
• Comfortable strength
• Breathing
• Relaxation

Certain positions may need to be modified as pregnancy progresses.

Tell the practitioner if you:

• Are pregnant
• Have pregnancy-related complications
• Have been given specific medical restrictions

Pregnancy-related warning symptoms require appropriate maternity or medical assessment.

Postnatal yoga therapy

After childbirth, yoga therapy may support a gradual return to:

• Movement
• Exercise
• General strength
• Relaxation

The programme should take account of:

• Delivery
• Caesarean section
• Pelvic floor symptoms
• Abdominal recovery
• Sleep and fatigue

Some people may benefit from pelvic health physiotherapy before progressing certain exercises.

Yoga therapy and pelvic health

Breathing, relaxation and gentle movement may sometimes complement pelvic health rehabilitation.

However, pelvic floor problems can involve both:

• Weakness
• Excessive tension

This means repeatedly performing strong pelvic floor contractions is not appropriate for everyone.

A pelvic health assessment may be required where symptoms are significant.

Yoga therapy and hypermobility

People with hypermobility may already have large ranges of movement.

For them, repeatedly stretching further may not be helpful.

Yoga therapy may instead focus on:

• Strength
• Stability
• Controlled movement
• Body awareness

End-range positions may need to be reduced or avoided.

Yoga therapy for athletes

Athletes may use yoga therapy as part of a wider training or recovery programme.

Potential areas of focus include:

• Mobility
• Movement awareness
• Relaxation
• Recovery

Yoga does not replace the physical conditioning required for sport.

Athletes may still need:

• Strength
• Power
• Running
• Sprinting
• Sport-specific training

depending on their performance goals.

Yoga therapy for runners

Runners may use yoga-based movement for:

• Mobility
• Relaxation
• General recovery

However, running performance and injury rehabilitation usually also require:

• Strength
• Appropriate training load
• Running progression

Greater flexibility is not automatically better for running.

Yoga therapy and strength training

Yoga and resistance training can be complementary.

Yoga therapy may support:

• Mobility
• Body awareness
• Balance

Strength training may be more appropriate for developing:

• Higher force
• Muscle strength
• Power

The two approaches can be combined according to your goals.

Yoga therapy and physiotherapy

Yoga therapy may be used alongside physiotherapy.

Physiotherapy may address:

• Injury
• Pain
• Weakness
• Walking
• Balance
• Post-surgical rehabilitation

Yoga therapy may then provide an additional way of practising:

• Movement
• Strength
• Relaxation
• Body awareness

Clear communication between services can help avoid conflicting exercises or restrictions.

Yoga therapy and lifestyle coaching

Yoga therapy may fit into a broader lifestyle programme focused on:

• Physical activity
• Stress
• Sleep
• Recovery

For some people, a short yoga routine may be easier to maintain than a longer formal exercise session.

The routine should remain achievable within normal daily life.

Yoga therapy and stress management

Yoga therapy may be combined with other stress-management approaches such as:

• Walking
• Exercise
• Sleep optimisation
• Breathing strategies

It should be one option rather than something everyone must practise.

Yoga therapy and therapeutic massage

Some people may use yoga therapy alongside hands-on treatments such as massage.

Massage may temporarily improve comfort, while yoga-based movement can encourage active participation.

The long-term programme should still focus on physical independence where possible.

What equipment is needed?

Yoga therapy often requires very little equipment.

Depending on the programme, you may use:

• Yoga mat
• Chair
• Wall
• Cushion
• Blocks
• Strap

Equipment is used to make positions safer or more comfortable rather than make exercises more advanced.

Do I have to exercise on the floor?

No.

A programme can be adapted if you cannot comfortably:

• Sit on the floor
• Kneel
• Lie down
• Get up from the floor

Chair-based or standing alternatives can be used.

Yoga should not be painful

Some movements may create:

• Mild muscular effort
• Stretching sensations

However, you should not feel that pain must be endured to benefit from yoga.

Exercises can be modified if they produce:

• Sharp pain
• Increasing neurological symptoms
• Significant joint discomfort
• Dizziness

The goal is controlled, appropriate movement.

Yoga and stretching discomfort

A strong stretching sensation does not automatically mean an exercise is more effective.

Stretch intensity should remain manageable.

Aggressive stretching may be particularly inappropriate after:

• Injury
• Surgery

or for people with:

• Hypermobility

Breathing and dizziness

Some specialised yoga practices involve:

• Rapid breathing
• Prolonged breath holding

These techniques are not appropriate for everyone.

Stop the exercise if you experience:

• Dizziness
• Faintness
• Significant discomfort

Gentler breathing strategies can usually be used.

Yoga inversions

Some yoga practices involve positions where the head is below the heart or the body is partially inverted.

These movements may not be appropriate for everyone.

Additional caution may be required in people with certain:

• Eye conditions
• Cardiovascular conditions
• Balance problems
• Neck problems

Advanced inversions are not necessary for yoga therapy.

Yoga therapy and blood pressure

Gentle yoga-based movement may be appropriate for many people with controlled blood pressure.

However, certain:

• Breath-holding techniques
• Intense isometric positions
• Inversions

may require modification.

People with cardiovascular conditions should follow their medical guidance regarding exercise.

Yoga therapy and osteoporosis

People with osteoporosis can remain active, but some yoga movements may require modification.

Particular care may be needed with:

• Deep spinal flexion
• Forceful twisting
• High-risk balance positions

The programme should consider:

• Bone health
• Fracture history
• Balance

Yoga therapy and joint instability

People with unstable or hypermobile joints should avoid repeatedly pushing into extreme positions simply because they can reach them.

Sessions may focus instead on:

• Mid-range control
• Strength
• Stability

This can help reduce unnecessary stress on joints.

Yoga and acute injury

A recent significant injury should be properly assessed before yoga is used as treatment.

Examples include:

• Major sprain
• Suspected fracture
• Acute muscle tear
• Significant swelling

The early stage of rehabilitation may require a more specific treatment approach.

When yoga therapy may not be suitable

Yoga therapy may need to be postponed or significantly modified if you have:

• Acute severe injury
• Unstable fracture
• Significant unexplained dizziness
• Severe balance problems
• Unstable medical conditions
• Significant neurological deterioration
• Recent surgery without appropriate clearance

The practitioner should review relevant health concerns before starting.

When further medical assessment may be needed

Yoga therapy should not delay investigation of concerning symptoms.

Further medical assessment may be required if you experience:

• Severe or rapidly worsening pain
• New significant weakness
• Persistent numbness
• Sudden loss of balance
• Chest pain
• Fainting
• Significant unexplained breathlessness
• Sudden neurological symptoms
• Severe pain following significant trauma
• New bladder or bowel-control problems with neurological symptoms

These symptoms require appropriate assessment rather than routine yoga therapy.

Yoga therapy is not a replacement for medical treatment

Yoga therapy may support movement and wellbeing, but it should not be used as a substitute for necessary treatment for conditions such as:

• Serious cardiovascular disease
• Cancer
• Significant neurological disease
• Acute injury
• Severe mental health conditions

Where medical treatment is required, yoga therapy may only play a complementary role.

Realistic expectations

Yoga therapy should not be presented as a cure for every health problem.

Response varies between individuals.

Potential benefits may relate to:

• Movement
• Relaxation
• Exercise participation
• Balance
• Body awareness
• General wellbeing

Progress is more meaningful when measured according to real-life function rather than the ability to perform increasingly difficult yoga poses.

Progressing your programme

As movement becomes easier, exercises may be progressed by changing:

• Repetitions
• Duration
• Balance challenge
• Strength demand
• Movement complexity

Progression does not necessarily mean using more extreme positions.

Better control and increased physical capacity may be more valuable.

Developing a home yoga routine

A home programme may include a small number of exercises that can be completed regularly.

For example:

• Gentle mobility
• Supported balance
• Strength-based postures
• Breathing
• Relaxation

A shorter routine completed consistently may be more useful than an ambitious programme that is difficult to maintain.

How often should I practise?

Frequency depends on:

• Goals
• Health
• Type of practice
• Current rehabilitation

Gentle mobility or breathing practices may be completed more frequently than physically demanding strength-based sessions.

Recovery should still be considered.

How long does a yoga therapy programme continue?

There is no fixed duration.

Some people may need:

• A small number of sessions to establish a programme

Others may use yoga therapy for longer while:

• Building mobility
• Improving balance
• Developing confidence with movement

The aim should be to become increasingly independent with an appropriate routine.

Treatment based on your goals

Yoga therapy should be designed around meaningful goals.

These may include:

• Moving more comfortably
• Improving mobility
• Building strength
• Improving balance
• Increasing confidence with exercise
• Managing stress
• Supporting relaxation
• Returning to regular physical activity
• Complementing rehabilitation

The programme can then be modified as your needs change.