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Viniyoga- Yoga that Adapts

Tom Willemann |

There has been a plethora of feedback to the article in the New York Times  "How Yoga Can Wreck Your Body".

To clarify my view on yoga:

  • Yoga can be extremely beneficial when monitored and done correctly (F.Y.I.  I do yoga myself!)
  • Certain poses place the spine in positions that are high risk with particular spinal disorders
  • No pain should be experienced during any poses
  • Start with an instructor that closely monitors your position
  • Make your instructor aware of all medical conditions and what they would recommend to limit in the class prior to starting
  • DO NOT continue with an instructor that doesn't modify poses for your condition.  
  • "You MUST do it this way" is a phrase if you hear once you should get out of the class.
  • Consult with your physician or physical therapist prior to starting a program

I wanted to bring attention to a form of yoga called  Viniyoga that emphasizes adjusting postures based on the physical limitations of the student.  I like this approach especially for those that have significant past or present orthopedic conditions.My goal in my last blog post on yoga was to merely caution any person  that yoga along with many other types of exercises have inherent risks.  Yoga is often perceived by many as relatively "risk free" and this can lead a student to allowing their "guard down".

Apex Orthopedic Rehabilitation in Paramus, NJ provides orthopedic and sports physical therapy services for the greater Ridgewood, Paramus, and Bergen County region.  This blog is intended for informational purposes only and should not be used for diagnostic or prescriptive purposes. The views expressed here are the author’s views and should be taken as suggestions. Always consult your physician before engaging in a physical therapy or rehabilitative regimen.

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Tom Willemann

Tom Willemann

Tom Willemann is a premier physical therapist based out of Bergen County, New Jersey. He holds an MS in physical therapy from the University of Miami, is credentialed in the world-renowned McKenzie Method of Mechanical Diagnosis and Therapy (MDT), and holds an OCS (Orthopedic Clinical Specialist) certification. As of 2018, there are approximately 14,000 ABPTS certified specialists in the nation and less than 400 of them are located in the state of New Jersey. Tom is the owner and director of Apex Orthopedic Rehabilitation in Paramus. He opened the clinic, which specializes in spine and sports injury prevention, in 2004 after many years of experience in the field. Tom’s caring interest in others and his strong belief in continuity of care, combined with his clinic’s ability to find solutions for the most difficult orthopedic problems, have earned Apex Orthopedic Rehabilitation its excellent reputation with patients and medical professionals in northeastern New Jersey and beyond. A true “family man,” Tom takes pride in his clinic’s warm and welcoming environment.
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