General:
Yoga Occupational Therapy uses principles from yoga practice regarding flexibility, stretching, stability, breathing, meditation, and visualization and applies it to their extensive knowledge of physical restorative medicine to result in treatments for neuromuscular re-education and therapeutic exercise.
Principles of Yoga inform the occupational therapy process and allow patients’ to leverage spirituality and all body system functions and structures (COMP-E Model) in the main effort to restore occupational performance in the 9 domains of occupation.
How should you approach Yoga in Occupational Therapy?
Mind Body Connection
Encouraging people to understand how their mind impacts their body, how their body is moving, and the sensations being experienced. In other words, the mind-body connection works to develop an interaction with the psychological, the somatosensory, and the motor systems (Francis & Cross Beemer, 2019). All three of these components are influenced in the development of self-awareness and self-efficacy (Francis & Cross Beemer, 2019). This process is facilitated by using action directed words and explaining the sensations being experienced in the body throughout each pose (Shaw, 2017). Examples of phrases are “feeling the muscle in the back lengthen as you move into…”, “focusing on the stretching/strengthening sensations in the ____”, or “as you exhale feel the tension in ____ muscles fade away.” In general, encouraging people to be aware of what is happening to their body in each pose and how they are moving.
Focus on Breath and Movement
Yoga encourages one to move with their breath. When performing yoga poses, the person is breathing while moving into a pose, holding a pose, and exiting a pose.
Yoga encourages deep diaphragmatic breathing in order to manipulate the nervous system. The breath can be used to engage the parasympathetic nervous system. When the parasympathetic nervous system is engaged, we tend to have a decreased stress response which allows for a decrease in muscle tension. This leads to improved ability to lengthen the muscles (or stretch). Therefore, if using with patients, the occupational therapy practitioner should ensure the patient understands diaphragmatic breathing and is applying it during each yoga pose.
Sink Breath is a breathing technique which uses the exhale of a breath to muscle lengthening while holding the pose. This can allow one to deepen the stretch as they hold the pose. As the person exhales, they move into deeper stretching (if the muscles are not being stretched enough based on the person’s tolerance). (Shaw, 2017)
Encouraging diaphragmatic breathing as the pose is being held. Poses are typically held for approximately 5-10 breaths or 30 seconds or more (Shaw, 2017).
In yoga, there are various breathing exercises (pranayama) that can be used and applied with patients. It is encouraged the occupational therapy practitioner research their patient’s diagnosis to ensure which breathing exercise is appropriate and if there are any contraindications to using specific breathing exercise.
Understand Muscles Being Strengthened and Stretched in Each Pose
Understand how the muscles are lengthening and contracting in each pose in order to achieve the best benefits. Apply knowledge of isometric, isotonic, eccentric, and concentric muscles contractions to each pose.
Encourage Body Alignment and Safe Movement
Yoga can require transitional movements that if not done correctly, and with body awareness, can lead to injury over time. Apply functional movement and body mechanic principles to ensure safe and effective movement while holding poses and transitioning between poses.
References
Shaw, B. (2017). YogaFit Level 1 Workbook. YogaFit Training Systems Worldwide, Inc.
Francis, A., & Cross Beemer, R. (2019). How does yoga reduce stress? Embodied cognition and emotion highlight the influence of the musculoskeletal system. Complementary therapies in medicine (43), 170-175. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.ctim.2019.01.024
Occupational Therapy Treatment and Documentation Examples
Alzheimer’s Disease Medications for Memory
Recent advancements in Alzheimer’s treatment have led to FDA approval of several new medications for Alzheimer’s Disease and mild cognitive impairment (MCI). These developments are the result of rigorous research and clinical trials aimed at improving the quality of life for those affected by these conditions. The newly approved medications offer hope for better management of symptoms and potentially slowing the progression of cognitive decline.
One of the key focuses of recent research has been on targeting the underlying mechanisms of Alzheimer’s, such as amyloid plaques and tau tangles. These innovative approaches have shown promise in clinical trials, leading to the approval of drugs that can more effectively address these core issues. Additionally, advancements in diagnostic tools have enabled earlier and more accurate detection of Alzheimer’s and MCI, allowing for timely intervention with these new treatments.
For healthcare professionals, caregivers, and patients, staying informed about these advancements is crucial. Our latest blog article provides a look at these new medications, their mechanisms of action, and the potential impact on patient care.
The Neurological Therapist – Interview your therapist
One crucial aspect of our practice is understanding the nuances between different treatment modalities and knowing when to apply each one effectively.
Understanding the Difference: Therapeutic Exercise, Therapeutic Activity, and Neuromuscular Re-education in Occupational Therapy
One crucial aspect of our practice is understanding the nuances between different treatment modalities and knowing when to apply each one effectively.
Stages of Alzheimer’s Disease
Alzheimer’s disease progresses through several stages, each presenting its own set of challenges for both the individual and their loved ones. In the early stages, memory lapses and difficulty with familiar tasks may be subtle, but as the disease advances, symptoms become more pronounced. In the middle stages, confusion and disorientation become more frequent, and individuals may require assistance with daily activities. Finally, in the late stages, communication becomes extremely limited, and round-the-clock care is often necessary. Understanding these stages can help families better navigate the journey of Alzheimer’s, providing support and planning for the road ahead.
Warning Signs of Dementia
It is difficult to tell the difference between memory loss in normal aging and warning signs of dementia, but there are several common findings that may serve as a warning sign that something deeper may be happening than normal aging.
Early Signs of Dementia in Women
“Memory is the treasure house of the mind wherein the monuments thereof are kept and preserved”. Thomas Fuller Early signs of dementia in women:Early: This refers to the beginning stages or the initial phase of something. In the context of "early signs of dementia,"...
Inhibition Techniques After Stroke
Inhibition Techniques After StrokeOccupational Therapy Intervention : Neuromusclar Re Education Documentation and Activity Rationale The patient engaged in AAROM of RUE working proximally to distally (shoulder flexion, shoulder abduction, adduction, external rotation,...
Functional Ambulation Work Conditioning
Functional Ambulation in Occupational Therapy mirroring the client’s work requirements post-injury allows for in-clinic problem solving and conditioning
Sharp and Dull Assessment
Sharp and Dull Assessment in Occupational TherapyOccupational Therapy Intervention : AssessmentsDocumentation and Activity Rationale Patient participated in a collaborative assessment with the practitioner to identify the presence and extent of peripheral neuropathies...
Dynamic Balance Obstacle Course
Dynamic Balance Obstacle CourseNeuromuscular Re-Education and Body MechanicsDocumentation and Activity Rationale The patient engaged in an obstacle course designed with a rocker board, tandem line walk, aerdic steppers, and balancing on a foam pad to simulate various...
Adrianna Brown, MS, OTR/L
Evaluating Therapist
Research interests: Yoga applied to progressive neurodegenerative and degenerative conditions
Current Credentials and Affiliations
-
Registered and Licensed Occupational Therapist (OTR/L)
-
200 Hour Yoga Certification through YogaFit
- YogaFit for Wellness 100-Hour Teacher Training
-
Functional Training Certification through American Council of Exercises
BIO
Adrianna graduated from D’Youville College in 2020. Following graduation, she worked in SNF/subacute rehabilitation for approximately one year. During her time in SNF, she learned the value Occupational Therapy has in addressing progressive neurological conditions, acquired neurological conditions, chronic pain, and muscle injury. Adrianna had the goal to transition to outpatient occupational therapy in hopes to address patients’ needs before requiring higher level of care.
Adrianna has obtained her 200 Hour Yoga Certification and is working on a 100 Hour Wellness track. This speciality training addresses the application of yoga for people with neurological conditions, heart conditions, chronic pain, and diabetes. She is also working on become a Stretch and Flexibility Coach.
Adrianna has a special interested in combining her yoga background with her occupational therapy background. She is continuing to research the various uses of yoga interventions for the diagnosis occupational therapy practitioners work with on a daily basis.
Alzheimer’s Disease Medications for Memory
Recent advancements in Alzheimer’s treatment have led to FDA approval of several new medications for Alzheimer’s Disease and mild cognitive impairment (MCI). These developments are the result of rigorous research and clinical trials aimed at improving the quality of life for those affected by these conditions. The newly approved medications offer hope for better management of symptoms and potentially slowing the progression of cognitive decline.
One of the key focuses of recent research has been on targeting the underlying mechanisms of Alzheimer’s, such as amyloid plaques and tau tangles. These innovative approaches have shown promise in clinical trials, leading to the approval of drugs that can more effectively address these core issues. Additionally, advancements in diagnostic tools have enabled earlier and more accurate detection of Alzheimer’s and MCI, allowing for timely intervention with these new treatments.
For healthcare professionals, caregivers, and patients, staying informed about these advancements is crucial. Our latest blog article provides a look at these new medications, their mechanisms of action, and the potential impact on patient care.
The Neurological Therapist – Interview your therapist
One crucial aspect of our practice is understanding the nuances between different treatment modalities and knowing when to apply each one effectively.
Understanding the Difference: Therapeutic Exercise, Therapeutic Activity, and Neuromuscular Re-education in Occupational Therapy
One crucial aspect of our practice is understanding the nuances between different treatment modalities and knowing when to apply each one effectively.
Stages of Alzheimer’s Disease
Alzheimer’s disease progresses through several stages, each presenting its own set of challenges for both the individual and their loved ones. In the early stages, memory lapses and difficulty with familiar tasks may be subtle, but as the disease advances, symptoms become more pronounced. In the middle stages, confusion and disorientation become more frequent, and individuals may require assistance with daily activities. Finally, in the late stages, communication becomes extremely limited, and round-the-clock care is often necessary. Understanding these stages can help families better navigate the journey of Alzheimer’s, providing support and planning for the road ahead.
Warning Signs of Dementia
It is difficult to tell the difference between memory loss in normal aging and warning signs of dementia, but there are several common findings that may serve as a warning sign that something deeper may be happening than normal aging.
Early Signs of Dementia in Women
“Memory is the treasure house of the mind wherein the monuments thereof are kept and preserved”. Thomas Fuller Early signs of dementia in women:Early: This refers to the beginning stages or the initial phase of something. In the context of "early signs of dementia,"...
Inhibition Techniques After Stroke
Inhibition Techniques After StrokeOccupational Therapy Intervention : Neuromusclar Re Education Documentation and Activity Rationale The patient engaged in AAROM of RUE working proximally to distally (shoulder flexion, shoulder abduction, adduction, external rotation,...
Functional Ambulation Work Conditioning
Functional Ambulation in Occupational Therapy mirroring the client’s work requirements post-injury allows for in-clinic problem solving and conditioning
Sharp and Dull Assessment
Sharp and Dull Assessment in Occupational TherapyOccupational Therapy Intervention : AssessmentsDocumentation and Activity Rationale Patient participated in a collaborative assessment with the practitioner to identify the presence and extent of peripheral neuropathies...
Dynamic Balance Obstacle Course
Dynamic Balance Obstacle CourseNeuromuscular Re-Education and Body MechanicsDocumentation and Activity Rationale The patient engaged in an obstacle course designed with a rocker board, tandem line walk, aerdic steppers, and balancing on a foam pad to simulate various...