Definition: Physical yoga poses or postures that form the foundation of yoga practice.

Rehabilitation Benefits: Gentle asanas help improve flexibility, strength, and balance while promoting healing. They can be modified extensively to accommodate physical limitations and gradually build mobility.

Safety Considerations: Always work within your comfortable range of motion. Never force a pose or ignore pain signals from your body.

Definition: Breathing techniques that regulate and control the breath to enhance physical and mental well-being.

Rehabilitation Benefits: Pranayama reduces stress, improves circulation, and helps manage pain. Deep breathing exercises can be practiced even when physical movement is limited.

Beginner Modification: Start with simple diaphragmatic breathing for 5-10 minutes daily. The Vitalizen platform offers guided breathing sessions perfect for rehabilitation.

Definition: A gentle practice using props like bolsters, blankets, and blocks to support the body in passive poses held for extended periods.

Rehabilitation Benefits: Promotes deep relaxation, reduces inflammation, and supports the body’s natural healing processes. Ideal for those with limited mobility or chronic pain.

Safety Considerations: Props should fully support your body weight. Never strain to achieve a pose – comfort is the priority.

Definition: Adapted yoga poses performed while seated in a chair or using a chair for support.

Rehabilitation Benefits: Provides accessibility for individuals with mobility challenges, balance issues, or those recovering from lower body injuries. Improves circulation and maintains joint flexibility.

Beginner Modification: Start with gentle neck rolls and shoulder shrugs. Discover comprehensive chair yoga sequences designed for rehabilitation needs.

Definition: A slow, meditative practice where poses are held for 3-5 minutes, targeting deep connective tissues and joints.

Rehabilitation Benefits: Improves flexibility, reduces stiffness, and promotes mental relaxation. Particularly beneficial for joint health and stress reduction during recovery.

Safety Considerations: Focus on mild sensation, not intense stretching. Use props to modify poses and prevent overstretching.

Definition: A slow-paced sequence of yoga poses connected by mindful breathing, emphasizing smooth transitions.

Rehabilitation Benefits: Builds strength gradually while maintaining joint mobility. The flowing nature helps improve coordination and body awareness.

Beginner Modification: Move at your own pace, pausing between poses as needed. Focus on breath awareness rather than perfect alignment.

Definition: Adaptations made to yoga poses to accommodate physical limitations, injuries, or comfort levels.

Rehabilitation Benefits: Ensures safe practice by adapting poses to individual needs. Prevents re-injury and builds confidence in movement.

Examples: Using blocks for support, practicing against a wall, or substituting challenging poses with gentler alternatives.

Definition: Tools such as blocks, straps, bolsters, and blankets used to support and modify yoga poses.

Rehabilitation Benefits: Provide stability, reduce strain, and make poses accessible regardless of flexibility or strength limitations.

Essential Props for Rehab: Yoga blocks, straps, and bolsters are particularly helpful for safe practice during recovery.

Definition: The proper positioning of body parts in yoga poses to maximize benefits and prevent injury.

Rehabilitation Benefits: Correct alignment protects vulnerable areas, promotes healing, and builds healthy movement patterns.

Safety Considerations: Work with qualified instructors who understand rehabilitation needs. The Vitalizen team includes certified therapeutic yoga specialists.

Definition: The practice of maintaining moment-to-moment awareness of thoughts, feelings, and bodily sensations.

Rehabilitation Benefits: Helps manage pain, reduces anxiety, and improves body awareness. Essential for preventing re-injury and promoting emotional healing.

Application: Practice mindful breathing and body scanning during yoga sessions to stay present and aware of your body’s signals.