Free Yoga Lesson Plan For Arthritic Spine

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Short Lesson Plan

Arthritic Spine Yoga Lesson Plan

Each yoga lesson plan you create within the Yoga Genie Lesson Planner comes with a short version of the lesson plan. The short version is perfect for taking into class with you. It’s short and sweet.

Long Lesson Plan

Arthritic Spine Yoga Lesson Plan

Each yoga lesson plan you create within the Yoga Genie Lesson Planner comes with a long version of the lesson plan. The long version has everything you need to practice the lesson plan before getting to class. You can take it to class with you (but you may prefer to take the short version). The long version is a great handout to give to your students, especially your one-to-one students. It immediately shows your professionalism, and increases your expertise in the eyes of your students.

Stream Lesson Plan

Arthritic Spine Yoga Lesson Plan

Each yoga lesson plan you create within the Yoga Genie Lesson Planner comes with a video stream version of the lesson plan. You’ll be able to provide the streams to students as a URL, so they can practice from home.

Arthritic Spine Yoga: Practice Tips

Tip 1: A little discomfort is okay

Yoga may cause painful flare ups in the short term, because more movement is required from the joints. A little discomfort is okay in the short term because it means the joints are loosening in the long term. Don’t let the flare-up be painful.

Tip 2: Gentle

Start your practice with gentle warm ups.

Tip 3: Flow

If it is painful to hold a pose, don’t stay for more than a few seconds. Instead, develop mobility in the joints by flowing in and out of the pose.

Tip 4: Props

Use props when needed.

Arthritic Spine Yoga: FAQs

Whenever I give a yoga therapy session (e.g. someone with an arthritic spine), I like to imagine the client will ask me a bunch of questions.

So, I study up on the subject, and make notes in FAQ format (see below).

Once I’ve completed my FAQs, I read one, close my eyes and answer it the best I can. I open my eyes to see how much detail I got right. If I missed anything, I repeat the process until I get it right.

This gives me huge confidence when giving a one to one session. There’s nothing like diligent preparation to give you confidence when going into a one-to-one session with a client. Though, I always tell my clients that I’m not a doctor, and if they have any concerns they should consult their doctor.

Below are the Yoga for arthritic spine FAQs….

Is Yoga an effective treatment for Osteoarthritis of the Spine?

In most cases, treatment of spinal osteoarthritis is geared toward relieving the symptoms of pain and increasing a person’s ability to function. The goal is to have a healthy lifestyle. Initial treatment may include losing weight if needed and then, for everyone, maintaining a healthy weight. Yoga also helps because it increases flexibility, improves mood, strengthen the heart, improves blood flow, and makes it easier to do daily tasks.

What Is Osteoarthritis of the Spine?

Osteoarthritis of the spine is a breakdown of the cartilage of the joints and discs in the neck and lower back.

Why do I get weakness and pain in my arms (legs)?

Osteoarthritis can create spurs that put pressure on the nerves leaving the spinal column. This can cause weakness and pain in the arms or legs.

Who Gets Osteoarthritis of the Spine?

Osteoarthritis happens as people age. Younger people may get it from: injury or trauma to a joint or a genetic defect involving cartilage. For people younger than age 45, osteoarthritis is more common among men. After age 45, osteoarthritis is more common among women. Osteoarthritis occurs more often among people who are overweight. It also occurs more frequently in those who have jobs or do sports that put repetitive stress on certain joints.

What Are the Symptoms of Osteoarthritis of the Spine?

Osteoarthritis of the spine can cause stiffness or pain in the neck or back. It can also cause weakness or numbness in the legs or arms if it is severe enough to affect spinal nerves or the spinal cord itself. Back discomfort can be  relieved when lying down.

Do I need surgery?

Most cases of spinal osteoarthritis can be treated without surgery, but surgery is sometimes an option. Spinal osteoarthritis is one of the causes of spinal stenosis, or narrowing of the spinal canal. In cases where bladder and bowel function is impaired, where the nervous system is damaged, or when walking becomes very difficult, surgery will likely be recommended.