Frequently Asked Question
What’s the difference between Yoga Therapy and Physical Therapy?
Yoga therapy and physical therapy each have their own distinct approach to healing and wellness, though they often share the goal of enhancing physical function, reducing pain, and supporting overall well-being. Yoga therapy takes a holistic, whole-person approach that addresses body, mind and spirit. We work with clients on physical, mental, emotional, and spiritual levels to promote overall well-being. Physical therapy, on the other hand, focuses primarily on treating specific physical dysfunctions and injuries. When these two approaches are employed simultaneously they can work synergistically together to create better results, especially in the case of acute pain and physical trauma. For a more detailed answer check on my blog article on this topic, Yoga Therapy Vs. Physical Therapy and How They Can Be Combined Effectively for Better Outcomes.
When is it best to do Yoga Therapy versus Massage Therapy?
There are scenarios where massage is a better choice for you based on your needs and desires, and there are circumstances where yoga is the better choice. The two systems are highly compatible and there is a lot of overlap.
Let’s look at some scenarios when massage could be the better choice:
Massage can be a better source of therapy if you are looking for a quick fix when suffering from pain and muscle tension. In comparison, yoga is a long-term system of lifestyle medicine. It is not a quick fix solution to most muscular problems or pain.
When you need to be completely relaxed and passive, but still want to gain some of the benefits of a movement practice Thai Massage could work better for you. It is sometimes called ‘lazy man’s yoga’ since all the receiver has to do is lie down and receive the benefits of passive yoga.
Here are several scenarios where yoga could be more appropriate or practical than massage:
Frequent sessions of massage, at least in the western world, can be out of one's financial budget. Yoga, however, once learned, can be practiced at home for free.
If you are looking for profound results in mind and body, a commitment to a deeper yoga practice will generate more results than just physical improvements. This is generally not the case with massage.
You might live in, or travel to, an area where massage is not easily available. Yoga classes, however, are widely available in most areas.
Clients can benefit greatly by taking advantage of the active nature of yoga practice, which results in greater strength, long-term flexibility, confidence and will-power.
For a more detailed about my particular style of massage you can go to Thai Massage and Yoga - The Perfect Match
What is Thai Massage and how is it difference than other styles of massage?
It involves massage and yoga-like stretching and happens on the floor on a firm mattress or a mat. The combination of massage plus assisted stretching results in a comprehensive full-body treatment that relieves pain and muscular tension, improves circulation and range of motion, reduces stress and boosts the immune system, while balancing the body energetically. Thai massage differs from western massage by its use of balancing the body's energy line system, known as Sen lines in Thai massage, that corresponds with the Chinese acupuncture meridians and the ancient medical practices of Indian Ayurvedic.
What’s the differnce between Personal Training and Yoga Therapy
The most fundamental difference lies in the scope of each practice. As a yoga therapist, I take a holistic approach that considers the entire person - body, mind, and spirit. We don't just focus on physical fitness; we address the interconnectedness of all aspects of a person's being. Personal training, on the other hand, primarily targets physical fitness. Trainers work with clients to improve strength, cardiovascular health, and overall physical performance. While a good personal trainer may consider aspects of mental well-being, their primary focus remains on the physical body. There are many other difference you can find out more about in my artcile, How Yoga Therapy and Personal Therapy Differ.
What is the differnce between a Yoga Therapy session and a studio yoga class?
Yoga therapy provides a more targeted, comprehensive, and personalized approach to addressing specific health concerns compared to general yoga classes. Among other differnces, Yoga therapists take a therapeutic approach, versus a physical fitness and wellness approach found in studio classes. Yoga therapists often work in conjunction with other healthcare providers. Unlike group classes, Yoga therapy sessions can be immediately adjusted based on the client's current state or new symptoms, providing a more responsive and flexible approach to healing.
What is self-myo-fascial release and why would I do it?
Have you ever noticed that sometimes yoga just cannot help you with those hard, knotted-up places in the body as well as massage can? But, going out and getting a massage every time that there's an adhesion of the muscles and fascia (myo-fascia) isn't really feasible for a lot of people. Self-massage is a great way to take your health into your own hands. Doing self massage daily is especially helpful if you want to relieve pain, enhance athletic performance or address immobility or imbalances in your body. In the article, Pain- Relief and Performance Enhancing Self Massage article I recommend some basic tools you can start with and a couple easier places to learn to massage that can make a big impact on the comfort of your whole body and bring your yoga practice to the next level by opening up the body and preparing it for more demanding postures and longer meditations.