Clinical Yoga.

Clinical Yoga is run by iNform Health & Fitness Solutions at Move for Better Health’s Malvern location. It is delivered in a 1:1 format, and can improve essential movement patterns, posture and imbalances through basic body awareness and slow, controlled movements that require equal parts strength, stability and mobility.

Clinical Yoga consists of all the same yoga postures that you would typically experience in a Yoga class, however, our classes are designed, implemented and instructed in a safe and clinical manner.

How is it different from regular Yoga?

There are important differences between regular yoga and Clinical Yoga, Regular yoga is instructed by a yoga teacher with a minimum of 200 hours training, whilst Clinical Yoga is led by an Exercise Physiologist or Physiotherapist.

Both health professionals complete a minimum 4-year university degree resulting in an in-depth knowledge of injury, pathology, healing, pain, biomechanics, anatomical alignment and physiology. This means that the yoga being delivered is appropriate for you and tailored to your body.

What’s an Exercise Physiologist?

Exercise Physiologists are accredited, university-qualified allied health professionals equipped with the knowledge, skills and competencies to design and deliver safe and effective exercise interventions for people with acute or chronic medical conditions, injuries or disabilities.

Exercise Physiologists can see people for conditions like include cardiovascular, metabolic, neurological, musculoskeletal, cancers, kidney, respiratory / pulmonary and mental health, and any other conditions for which there is evidence that exercise can improve the client’s clinical status.

You can read more about iNform’s Exercise Physiologists and what they do here.

Who could benefit from Clinical Yoga?

Clinical Yoga can be suitable for anyone ranging from those who want to start Yoga but are unsure where to start, to those who have physical considerations and want to be in the safe hands of a health professional.

It can also be for those of you who are looking to deepen your Yoga practice by deepening your knowledge of how to apply yoga postures to your body.

Why do Clinical Yoga?

Clinical Yoga is an effective movement modality for a multitude of physical and mental conditions. Scientific literature now suggests that Yoga may have positive effects on a range of conditions such as:

• Lower back pain
• Chronic fatigue
• Fibromyalgia
• High blood pressure
• Depression
• Anxiety
• Inflammation

Yoga may also improve sleep quality, feelings of well-being, breathing, flexibility and balance, and can be used as a tool for day to day stress management.

What can you expect in Clinical Yoga class?

Overall, Yoga is a great way to improve physical and mental health and well-being and Clinical Yoga uses specialised knowledge to increase positive outcomes.

Trying anything new can always be a little daunting, so we want to let you know what you’re in for!

• Basic breathing exercises to help regulate your nervous system
• Basic mindfulness principles
• A series of yoga postures sequenced to achieve a particular goal; it may be better pelvic awareness, or shoulder stability, or to strengthen the back body, or even to remember to focus our attention in non-judgemental ways – it changes every week!)
• The ability to ask questions and opportunities to workshop and break things down
• All the props (mat, blocks, straps) are provided, you just have to turn up!

How to get started

Before you begin Clinical Yoga sessions, we like to have an initial assessment appointment one on one with you. This allows us to learn more about you and get a better idea of how to tailor the yoga classes specifically to you and your needs or goals.

If you currently see one our health professionals at either Move or iNform, you won’t need an initial assessment – your health professional will provide a handover of relevant information, on your behalf! 

If you’d like some more information on Clinical Yoga and whether it might be suitable for you, please give us a call on 8373 5655.