Program Overview

This program is designed to equip yoga teachers, healthcare professionals, and wellness practitioners with the skills and knowledge necessary to use therapeutic yoga as an effective tool for managing chronic pain. The curriculum is divided into five comprehensive modules, each focusing on different aspects of chronic pain and therapeutic yoga.

Program Details

• Duration: 10 hours
• Format: Online
• Credits: 10 CEUs (Continuing Education Units with Yoga Alliance)
• Prerequisites: 200-hour Yoga Teacher Training certification or equivalent experience
• Assessment: Final quiz and submission of video doing mock class sequence.

Course Structure

Module 1: Understanding Chronic Pain

• Objective: Develop a foundational understanding of chronic pain and its impact on the body and mind.
• Content:
  • Types of Chronic Pain: Overview of conditions like fibromyalgia, arthritis, and lower back pain.
  • Physiology of Pain: How pain signals are processed in the nervous system.
  • Psychological Impact: Exploring the relationship between chronic pain, stress, anxiety, and depression.
• Learning Outcome: Participants will understand the multifaceted nature of chronic pain, preparing them to approach therapeutic yoga with a comprehensive mindset.

Module 2: Therapeutic Yoga Techniques

• Objective: Learn and practice yoga techniques tailored to individuals with chronic pain.
• Content:
  • Adaptation of Yoga Postures: Modifying poses for safety and comfort.
  • Restorative and Gentle Yoga: Introduction to restorative yoga and gentle flows suitable for chronic pain sufferers.
  • Pranayama for Pain Relief: Breathwork techniques that calm the nervous system and reduce pain perception.
• Learning Outcome: Participants will be equipped with practical tools and techniques to deliver safe, effective, and compassionate yoga sessions for chronic pain management.

Module 3: Integrating Mindfulness and Meditation

• Objective: Explore the role of mindfulness and meditation in managing chronic pain.
• Content:
  • Mindfulness Practices: Techniques for cultivating present-moment awareness to reduce pain-related stress.
  • Meditation for Pain Management: Guided meditations designed to ease the mind and body.
  • Body Awareness Techniques: Exercises to help participants become more attuned to their bodies, fostering a deeper connection and understanding of pain signals.
• Learning Outcome: Participants will be able to integrate mindfulness and meditation into their teaching, offering students a holistic approach to pain management.

Module 4: Designing Therapeutic Yoga Programs

• Objective: Learn how to design and implement therapeutic yoga programs for individuals and groups.
• Content:
  • Assessment and Customization: How to assess the needs of individuals with chronic pain and customize yoga programs accordingly.
  • Sequencing for Chronic Pain: Building safe and effective class sequences that address specific pain conditions.
  • Use of Props: Effective use of yoga props to support pain management and enhance accessibility.
• Learning Outcome: Participants will gain the skills needed to create personalized yoga programs that meet the unique needs of chronic pain sufferers.

Module 5: Learning Outcomes and Application

Objective: Enhance and expand therapeutic yoga practices using effective evaluation, adaptation, and community engagement strategies.

• Content:
  • Continuous Learning and Adaptation: Stay updated with the latest in therapeutic yoga by integrating new research and client feedback into your practice.
  • Scaling and Expanding Programs: Explore strategies to grow your therapeutic yoga practice, reach new demographics, and manage increased demand while maintaining quality care.
  • Fostering Community and Support: Enhance healing by building a supportive community that encourages peer interaction and shared experiences.
• Learning Outcome: Participants will acquire practical skills to measure and adapt their yoga interventions, expand their practice, and cultivate a supportive community, ensuring their therapeutic approach remains dynamic and client-focused.

Module 6: Practicum and Case Studies

• Objective: Apply the knowledge gained in real-world scenarios and deepen understanding through hands-on practice.
• Content:
  • Case Studies: Analysis and discussion of real-life examples of chronic pain management through yoga.
  • Supervised Teaching Practice: Participants will lead yoga sessions, applying therapeutic techniques in a controlled environment.
  • Feedback and Reflection: Group discussion and self-reflection on teaching experiences to refine skills and approaches.

Certification:

Upon completion, participants will receive a certification in Therapeutic Yoga for Chronic Pain, recognized by professional organizations like Yoga Alliance for 10 hours of continuing education.

This program provides a thorough education in therapeutic yoga, blending theoretical knowledge with practical application. It equips yoga teachers and healthcare practitioners with the skills needed to create supportive and effective yoga experiences for individuals dealing with chronic pain.

Course Information

Estimated Time: 10 hours

Difficulty: Intermediate

Categories: Continuing Education

Course Instructor

Shanie Matthews Author