Customized Yoga Based Programs for Parkinson's Disease and Movement disorders.

Yoga , strengthening, and breath work are recognized in the medical world as a beneficial therapy for PD and other movement disorders.

Yoga is an amazing therapy that can help with many aspects of Parkinson disease, both motor and non-motor. People are often fearful of getting started in a yoga class since there is a portrayal of yoga in the media as being only for flexible, young, women. Yoga, on the contrary, is a very adaptable practice, with both functional and psychosocial benefits, that can be suited to a wide variety of abilities.

Hatha yoga combines physical postures to address strength, flexibility, balance and mind-body-breath connection. Breathing practices (pranayama) and meditation are included to develop greater self-awareness and can have tremendous benefit on the mental state. The breath practice combined with movement has proven extremely helpful in reducing anxiety.

What do we know about yoga in Parkinson disease?

The studies that do exist suggest modest benefits for:

1. Mobility. The issue of mobility has important implications for fall prevention in PD. Yoga participation can improve functional mobility and influences how a person with PD walks.

2. Balance. Balance training is an important component of PD therapy, as 40 percent of nursing home admissions are preceded by a fall. Research shows yoga-related improvements in balance (tandem, one-leg) and an associated decrease in a person’s fear of falling

3. Strength. Gains in lower-body strength occur for PD patients following yoga practice and are associated with improved postural stability.

4. Flexibility. Improvements in flexibility and range of motion (ROM) are important since rigidity is a common clinical manifestation in PD. Research shows improvements in flexibility/ROM of the shoulder, hip and spine. Stooped posture is common in PD and can be related to short spinal flexors and weak spinal extensors; improved shoulder and spinal flexibility from yoga supports a more upright posture.

5. Mood & Sleep. The calming effect of yoga (by enhancing parasympathetic output) may lessen perceived stress, enhance relaxation, and benefit sleep in PD. Many people with PD have apathy and fatigue which anecdotally are helped with yoga. Since the mind and the body are very connected in PD, any mental state benefits are tangibly translated into motor benefits. A yoga class can offer a support group, improved confidence, and self-efficacy. Caregivers can also participate and reap the rewards in the psychological realm as well.

Yoga can benefit people with Parkinson’s both physically and cognitively!

Yoga is both physically and cognitively engaging by focusing on body-awareness during complex body positions. Yoga postures improve physical strength, flexibility, and balance. Yoga postures are also considered skill-acquisition exercises and can benefit our brains thinking patterns and processes to make our movements more efficient and effective. Yoga helps to increase muscle mass that is useable in everyday life by focusing on functional movements.

Use yoga as an opportunity to focus on posture

In our one on one sessions our pinnacle posture may be putting shoes on with ease, or taking off a jacket, using the muscles needed to get in and out of a car... YOUR session is YOUR time to work on day to day challenges.

Join our Silver Strength Wellness program

A minimum of 1 one-on-one session is highly recommended for new students before joining group classes. first session will be discussion, intake form (we fill out together) and a shorted/customized physical program. Caregivers are welcome at no extra cost. It is optional to leave shoes on or to take off. Session may be in a chair or floor each student is unique. $65.

Call to schedule your session today 386-882-5080 or email at yogabala@yahoo.com