Yoga for Healthy Backs
In the USA, we spend over $10 billion annually on back care. Back issues are the number one cause of job-related disabilities, and 8 out of 10 of us will have back pain at some point in our lives. Additionally, 14 million people seek health care for shoulder pain. In this workshop, we’ll address the back, shoulders, neck, sacrum and hips.
Because of its prevalence, we believe that every yoga teacher needs to understand back pain. This workshop allows us to feel more confident in our teaching by exploring a common issue that most of us will encounter. Read More
We offer 2 courses for Back Health. Register for either on this page.
- 4 hour Intro to Yoga for Back Health
- 24 hour Yoga for Back Health
Yoga for Healthy Backs Learning Objectives (*24 hour course only)
- Understand the scope of back pain
- Appreciate the goals of yoga for students with back pain
- Identify common causes of back pain
- Explore different types of pain
- Develop correct techniques for movement and language for effective cuing
- Practice yoga for a healthy back
- Review anatomy related to yoga for back health *
- Execute yoga movements to combat dysfunctional movement patterns (DMPs) and injuries*
- Explore contraindications for specific back issues (more detailed in 24-hour course)
- Understand how pelvic tilt impacts back health in flexion, extension, and neutral (more detailed in 24-hour course)
- Explore lumbar-pelvic and thoracolumbar rhythms *
- Understand how chronic muscle contraction leads to postural imbalances and DMPs (more detailed in 24-hour course)
- *Work only within your scope; work with health care provider if working with injuries
Prerequisites
General Asana Knowledge
Continuing Education Credits
Intro and Full Course: YA approved for 4 and 24 contact CEC hours respectively
Course Audience
- Yoga teachers and students
- Yoga therapists
- Mind/body practitioners
- Health coaches
- Mental health professionals
- Body workers
- Anyone wanting better back health
Learning Strategies
- Lecture and demonstration
- Experiential learning through movement
- Yoga practice
- Journaling and reflection
Topics Covered (more detailed in 24-hour course)
- Causes and types of back pain
- Contraindications for specific back issues
- Pelvic tilt and back health
- Scope of back pain
- Risk and mitigation of back pain
- Practice healthy back protocols
- Unlock mobility in all planes
- Strengthen and balance weak muscles
- Cultivate freedom in the breath
Recommended for the longer course (not required): Yoga for Wellness: Healing with the Timeless Teachings of Viniyoga by Gary Kraftsow and Pain Free by Pete Egoscue
- Courses are available 100% remotely
- Students have 12 months to complete coursework
- Start anytime
Yoga for Healthy Backs Course Fee
- Remote Intro Class (4 hrs) – $79
- Remote Full Class (24 hrs) – $250
After Registration – What to Expect:
- After you register, you will receive an email from our automated system with instructions for logging in
- Login from top menu bar (Existing Students/Login)
- You will have access to your course immediately
- Once logged in, you’ll be automatically directed to your dashboard
- Click the Course Name from the dashboard and follow instructions to complete the course work
- All courses include a Lesson that covers how to enter your CEC’s or Print Certificates, as applicable
- If you have any questions, don’t hesitate to reach out
Get Started!
Yoga for Healthy Backs