Restorative Yoga for Physical Therapists, and Other Therapists

When looking at yoga there are several different types to consider. Some of the most popular are Hatha yoga, Hot yoga, Restorative yoga, Vinyasa yoga, and Yin Yoga. Restorative yoga focuses on relaxing the nervous system and in the 2021 Global Yoga Survey was ranked as the third most popular style worldwide. This survey was given to 10,982 practitioners spanning 124 countries and 29.6% responded that restorative yoga was one of the main styles they practice. (1)

In a dedicated restorative yoga class, a student comes to class, gathers a number of props, and is instructed through 3 to 5 postures, all held for long durations to complete an hour or longer class. Students have various experiences with this type of practice, but over time many begin to feel the need for rest (or restorative practice) in a similar way that one feels thirsty or hungry.

Restorative Yoga and Physical Therapy
The U.S. military, the National Institutes of Health, and other large organizations are listening to, and incorporating, scientific validation of yoga’s value in health care. Numerous studies show yoga’s benefits in arthritis, osteopenia, balance issues, oncology, women’s health, chronic pain, and other specialties. (2)

Restorative yoga can be a valuable adjunct for rehab practitioners in helping patients improve their physical and mental health. It can be especially helpful for people recovering from injuries, surgery, or chronic conditions. Restorative yoga can also be used for active recovery. This practice enables them to be lightly active while allowing their body to heal from strenuous training sessions. Runners, bodybuilders, and other types of athletes can benefit from using restorative yoga for this purpose.

Restorative yoga allows us to access the ventral vagal aspect of the parasympathetic nervous system. This pathway is necessary for healing, stress management, and the ability to choose our actions rather than react. Restorative yoga is an accessible method that may be a new tool in a patient’s toolbox for managing their nervous systems.

The goals of both therapy and restorative yoga are similar in healing and alleviating stress on the body. Remember that restorative yoga teaches people to be more aware of their body and the connection between their body and mind. By combining the two, patients can move forward in their lives and learn how to cope and be aware of what is going on with their bodies.

By adding restorative yoga to your toolkit, you can help your patients learn more about their bodies and pain. It can improve their focus, stability, flexibility, and strength – all of which will improve their results and quality of life.

Join Kate Bailey to learn more about restorative yoga and how to incorporate it into your practice in her upcoming course Restorative Yoga for Physical Therapists (and yes this course is open to all licensed practitioners) on March 22, 2025.

References:

1. The global yoga survey 2021: How and why people practice yoga. DoYou. (2022, April 12). Retrieved January 17, 2025, from https://www.doyou.com/yoga-survey/
2. 9 Benefits of Yoga. John Hopkins Medicine. Retrieved January 17, 2025 from https://www.hopkinsmedicine.org/health/wellness-and-prevention/9-benefits-of-yoga

AUTHOR BIO:
Kate Bailey, PT, DPT, MS, E-RYT 500, YACEP, Y4C, CPI

Kate Bailey (she/her) received her Doctorate in Physical Therapy and Masters of Science in Anatomy from the University of Delaware. Her physical therapy practice is focused on pelvic for all genders and ages. Kate brings over 15 years of teaching movement experience to her physical therapy practice with specialties in Pilates and yoga with a focus on alignment and embodiment. Kate’s Pilates background was unusual as it followed a multi-lineage price apprenticeship model that included the study of complementary movement methodologies such as the Franklin Method, Feldenkrais, and Gyrotonics®. Building on her Pilates teaching experience, Kate began an in-depth study of yoga, training with renowned teachers of the vinyasa and Iyengar traditions. She held a private practice teaching movement prior to transitioning into physical therapy and relocating to Seattle.