Hello, I'm Sarah Apple Kingsley, a dedicated physical therapist with years of experience since earning my Doctorate in 2014. During the first five years of my practice, I followed the conventional approach taught in Physical Therapy school and clinical rotations. It involved using standardized exercises and stretches, often referred to as "cookie-cutter" solutions. These exercises were prescribed for various conditions, such as low back pain, hip pain, or general strengthening for the elderly population.
In uncomplicated cases, this approach yielded positive results, especially for the geriatric population needing general strength and balance training due to inactivity. However, I soon realized that for many patients, these standard exercises were not effective. Some patients experienced more pain and dysfunction, raising questions about the methods we were taught.
Regrettably, it's common for therapists to feel disheartened when patients don't improve. Many therapists discharge patients who don't show progress, believing that physical therapy doesn't work for them. I personally faced this frustration when I tried these same cookie-cutter exercises on myself during a period of pain and injury. Instead of improvement, my condition worsened.
Thankfully, my breakthrough came when I discovered the LYT Yoga method, created by a fellow physical therapist. LYT Yoga redefined yoga and functional movement by focusing on joint mobility, compensatory patterns, and proper muscle activation. Its simplicity and specificity in movements made a significant difference in outcomes.
I started incorporating LYT Yoga exercises, including spinal mobility stretches, hip hinging strategies, self-joint mobilization techniques, and fascia stretches, into my patient routines. The results were remarkable! Patients not only became more aware of their bodies but also experienced improved mobility in their daily lives.
While therapists can manually address joint mobility or release tight muscles, it's the beneficial repetitive movements that maintain mobility. Conversely, dysfunctional movement patterns perpetuate pain and poor joint mobility. Teaching these movements to my patients led to lasting changes and benefits.
Yoga's versatility in movement allows patients to reconnect with their bodies, both in isolation and as a whole system. While traditional medicine often treats specific areas, yoga reveals that a lack of mobility, strength, or activation in one area can cause pain elsewhere. Yoga also facilitates the mind-body connection that is often overlooked in daily life. Different cues and focuses can completely alter an exercise or movement, turning yoga into a form of meditation.
I firmly believe that this mind-body connection is essential for true healing. Experience it for yourself by joining one of my LYT yoga classes! The cues provided in these classes offer unparalleled benefits for the body's natural movement. Start with focused, gentle movements and progress to larger, dynamic sequences as your body warms up.
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Author: Dr. Sarah Kingsley PT, DPT, RYT
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Disclaimer:
This information is generalized and intended for educational purposes only. Due to potential individual contraindications, please see your primary care provider before implementing any strategies in these posts.