Yoga As A Therapeutic Tool
The practice of Yoga is very broad and continuously evolving. Many elements of Yoga prove to be of great value as a complementary therapeutic tool alongside more traditional therapies. Like all therapeutic techniques, it is critically important for the practitioner to have a good understanding of the client’s underlying issues and utilize yoga techniques that will contribute to improving the client’s quality of life.
At Creative Therapy, Sheri Martin Soosaar is the principal Occupational Therapist with over 20 years of experience as a therapist in addition to 10 years of experience practicing yoga and as a trained yoga instructor. Sheri has successfully designed client-centric therapeutic yoga classes that address the unique needs of each client by understanding each person’s goals and limitations to ensure the yoga classes effects are positive.
Yoga for Post-Concussion Syndrome
People who suffer from Post Concussion Syndrome are very familiar with common symptoms that may include:
- Chronic headaches
- Fatigue
- Vestibular/balance issues
- Anxiety
Yoga practices not only address physical movement but also incorporate elements of mindfulness, calming, and controlled breathing. These exercises have shown to be of great value to help alleviate symptoms experienced by clients with post-concussion syndrome.
Available Now: Mindfulness and Yoga – classes held weekly in Waterloo
Yoga for Pediatric Developmental Issues
Children with developmental issues like Aspergers, Anxiety, or ADD/ADHD can benefit from many key elements of yoga practice. Self-regulation is the first key to helping children be able to focus on the tasks being presented to them. Yoga has many techniques such as breathing exercises that help to calm and focus an agitated child. The children start to learn some of these techniques and start to utilize them on their own, or with a bit of queuing, while at school or at home.
Techniques adopted from yoga practice are often incorporated into regular Occupational Therapy treatment sessions with a child to help them become more calm and focused. The therapy sessions then become more effective with a longer-lasting impact when the child is able to apply their energy to the task at hand.