Yoga as Therapeutic Exercise: A Practical Guide for Manual Therapists

6

Chapter

the basic exercises

General introduction: basic exercises

How to use the basic exercise

section

In the section on yoga and health in Chapter 1,

we emphasized finding and developing healthy

structures in the body as a fundamental approach for

therapeutic yoga. To learn how to use these struc-

tures in a sensible way to improve their function

we have applied the principles of mindfulness,

variety of exercise approaches, economical practice,

precision, and finetuning to the exercise approach.

Specific aims for improving bodily structure and

function are mobility, strength, stamina, relaxation,

balance, coordination, synchronization, and breath-

ing naturally.

The instructions are designed in order to achieve

healthy postures and movements. Nevertheless stu-

dents and patients will need guidance to stay within

this healthy range or to move back a level by using

appropriate props.

Our experience with patients’ motivation has

shown (see also Chapter 4):

• The learning steps must be small enough so that
  patients can improve in line with their ability.


• However, they should be challenged as far as
  possible, so that they do not become bored.


• They should see success early onto motivate
  them to continue. This experience of success
  should come from their performance of the
  exercises and be confirmed by the therapist.

Chapter contents

General introduction: basic exercises 47

1. Basic exercises for the lumbar spine 52


2. Basic exercises for the thoracic cage and ribs 68


3. Basic exercises for the thoracic spine 76


4. Basic exercises for the shoulder girdle and the
   cervicothoracic junction 85


5. Basic exercises for the cervical spine, head, and
   temporomandibular joint 101


6. Basic exercises for elbows, wrists, and hands 112


7. Basic exercises for the pelvis 120


8. Basic exercises for the hips 126


9. Basic exercises for the knees 134


10. Basic exercises for the feet 140