4 reasons to promote yoga in your physical therapy jobs

In physical therapy jobs, the patient appointments are crucial for evaluating individuals, helping them meet goals and adjusting intervention plans. However, the time spent in the clinic or other medical facility should be only a portion of the patient's treatment plan. What they do at home is also critical to their development and well-being.

Yoga is a great option for people to keep up physical activity on their own time. Just about everyone can benefit from this form of exercise, but those overcoming injuries and looking to expand their mobility may find even greater advantages. Here's why you should suggest your patients give yoga a try:

1. Enhanced flexibility
Between downward-facing dog and the Cora pose, stretching is built right into yoga. In fact, the American Osteopathic Association cited increased flexibility as one of the benefits of this form of exercise. According to Human Kinetics, flexibility is crucial for performing everyday activities, which travel therapy professionals often help their patients achieve with relative ease. Increased flexibility can also aid in injury prevention for athletes.

2. It's a low-impact exercise
In your physical therapy jobs, you've likely cared for patients with arthritis, as this chronic condition can seriously inhibit mobility and make even the simplest activities challenging. Exercise, while often difficult for those with arthritis, is crucial for alleviating symptoms. You might recommend yoga as a low-impact workout these patients can do at home. While these exercises still focus on muscle strengthening and flexibility, they aren't rough on the joints like running or dancing can be.

3. Promotes spine health
Per data from the National Institutes of Health, four out of every five adults experience back pain at least once in their lives, and it's the leading cause of disability. While many of these individuals deal with temporary, acute pain, others must cope with chronic discomfort. As a result, they may turn to physical therapists like you for help.

According to the Yoga Journal, yoga may promote better spine health. The various movements keep spinal disks limber. This exercise also enhances posture, which can decrease strain on muscles and prevent back pain.

4. Mood improvement
The chronic conditions your patients seek help for often negatively impact their lives. Perhaps they can no longer enjoy the athletic activities they used to love or maybe their on-going pain stops them from playing with their kids. This can lead to feelings of sadness and isolation. In fact, according to research in the Western Journal of Medicine, those with chronic diseases are often at a greater risk for depression.

Besides aiding with physical symptoms, yoga may lead to improved mood as well. You likely know exercise is associated with being happier and more energetic. However, you might be surprised to learn that yoga is one of the most powerful mood-boosting workouts. According to research published in the Journal of Alternative and Complementary Medicine, yoga led to greater mood improvements than walking.

Consider making yoga a recommendation among your patients to help them reach their goals.