Yoga & Movement Therapy

What is yoga and movement therapy?

Yoga and movement therapy uses yoga postures and conscious movement exercises to provide relief from an array of chronic pain and health issues. It can be used as as stand alone therapy or to supplement physical therapy.

Who can benefit?

Through practice the healing benefits of yoga and conscious movment can be achieved by anyone with a chronic injury or condition. Yoga and movment therapy sessions are especially suitable for those whose physical limitations prevent them from joining a group class.

What can it help?

Some of the chronic ailments that can be helped by yoga and movement therapy:

Musculoskeletal: knee, hip, shoulder and neck pain, arthritis, scoliosis, lower back pain, slipped disc and sciatic pain
Circulatory: high blood pressure, heart problems, hypertension, and circulatory problems in the legs
Digestive: constipation, acidity, and IBS
Gynecological: menstrual problems and menopausal symptoms
Respiratory: asthma and sinusitis
Nervous: headache and migraine
Psychological: depression and anxiety

Read what Harvard Medical School has to say about the many benefits of yoga.

What to expect during a session

During a session you will learn how practice yoga and conscious movement in a safe and appropriate manner to help with your particular ailment. You will be guided through a sequence of therapeutic poses and exercises tailored to your specific needs, which you can then practice at home. Photos will be taken so you can reference them later. A brief health assessment is included in your first session. Sessions are 50-70 minutes long. A minimum course of three sessions is recommended.

Yoga Style

I combine my extensive working knowledge of anatomy, postural alignment, movement, corrective exercise, breathwork and meditation to teach well balanced, dynamic yoga classes to all levels of students. We’ll use props such as blankets, straps, and blocks to help achieve the postures safely. This way of practicing promotes the therapeutic benefits of the poses, and often results in the elimination of chronic aches and pains caused by injury, disease or aging.

Yoga and movement therapy sessions include

• 15 min health assessment (first session)
• 1 hour of private yoga and movement practice
• photo log of the practice
• follow-up contact

Fees

Fees upon request. Cancellation 24 hours.

Location

All private yoga classes are offered at my fully equipped yoga studio on Girard Avenue in downtown La Jolla.

Book a session

For more information or to book a session contact me directly by email or call (858) 224-2484.

Testimonials

“I am practically pain free since learning your routines. I do them almost every day, at least 5 days a week for 30 to 45 minutes. I can work, and lift, and bike, and hike with much greater confidence and ease. I am not afraid to move anymore. Thanks for your help.” ~ Leland Forester

“When I met Ann, I could barely walk. In fact, I had to be driven to her studio. Chronic back pain coupled with a car accident left me in pain and unable to live a full life. Ann immediately knew how to address my needs and customized an evolving practice that not only improved my immediate condition, but got to the heart of my chronic problems.” ~ Jenny Bonjardim

“Your classes have helped me to strengthen, lengthen, and tone my entire body. Your special instructions helped me re-engage and strengthen my core abdominal muscles to LOOK and FEEL like my core muscles again. My back is stronger and my whole body feels better.” ~ Cindy Van Voohris

“Due to rheumatoid arthritis I had terrible pain in the joints of my wrists, fingers, ankles and feet. I was not able to walk barefoot and could barely make a fist, and I was unable to raise my arms above my head. I started attending Ann’s classes twice a week after my diagnosis. With her help I can now move much more much freely and am generally pain free. I can swing a golf club and hike for miles without pain or swelling. I’ve done multi-day hikes and carried a pack. My overall wellbeing and general fatigue is also greatly improved. Thanks Ann for helping me move again.” ~ Beverly Blessent

Connect

For yoga articles, updates, classes and workshops, sign up for my newsletter at the top of the page or like on Facebook at Ann West :: Iyengar Yoga. You can contact me directly by email or call (858) 224-2484.