Yoga for Healthy Backs

Yoga for Healthy Backs classes are led by a Chartered Physiotherapist and Dru Yoga teacher. The classes are targeted at those with back conditions, focusing on relieving and preventing the recurrence of back pain.

Back pain affects one in three adults in the UK, with an estimated 2.5 million people seeking help from their GP each year. Many back pain sufferers find yoga to be very effective in reducing their pain.

strength

flexibility

stability

posture

Yoga for Healthy Backs

The benefits

Yoga cultivates a balance between the flexibility and strength of the muscles, and between the mobility and stability of the joints. It is these factors that are the most common underlying cause of back pain.

Yoga for Healthy Backs classes focus on spinal strength and flexibility, core stability, hip mobility and pelvic stability, and correcting postural habits and patterns.

With regular practice, we release tension in the muscles and build a strong, flexible body that can cope easily with day-to-day movement and activity.

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a stronger more flexible back

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reduced occurrence of low back pain

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improved function and quality of life

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less time off work & greater productivity

Online Classes

The style of yoga I teach is Dru Yoga – a gentle, flowing style of yoga that is designed to be practised by people of all abilities, all fitness levels and all age groups. No one is too inflexible, too overweight, too old or too unfit! You don’t have to tie yourself in knots or stand on your head, and you don’t have to be female! Dru Yoga is for everyone and you’ll be surprised how quickly your body becomes more flexible when you practice regularly.

In Dru Yoga, joints are kept relaxed and soft during movement and all movements originate from the spine because a flexible, healthy spine supports your entire yoga practice. The spinal wave and spinal twist are core features of Dru Yoga, enhancing spinal health and vitality, and a deep undertanding of core stability is a major focus.

Monday

6.30pm – 7.30pm

In the comfort of your own home!
(online, via Zoom)

Classes are bookable in 6-week blocks, costing £42.
This course will start on 2nd December, 2024. There will be 6 weekly classes, ending on 20th January, 2025. Please note that there will be no classes on 23rd December or 30th December.
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These Yoga for Healthy Backs classes are most beneficial for those whose back pain is generally eased by gentle movement and aggravated by prolonged rest, e.g. being worse on waking or after prolonged sitting, and easing after walking for a short while.

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The classes are NOT suitable for pregnant or postnatal women, nor for those who have disc injuries. If your pain is acute, intense or radiates down your leg(s) then it is likely that you require individual treatment from your physiotherapist/GP and may choose to attend the classes later, when your symptoms subside. If you are unsure, just ask! I will be happy to advise you.

It would be helpful if you are able to get up and down from the floor and are able to kneel, but if not, don’t worry. Adaptations are always possible and that can be discussed prior to the classes.

If you have any questions, please do get in touch.

Before attending your first class you will need to complete this health questionnaire.

TESTIMONIALS

Happy people I’ve helped

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I would highly recommend Fiona's Yoga for Healthy Backs classes.

I have suffered with fibromyalgia for over 20 years and have attended many exercise classes intended to help me. I have struggled with those in the past but I find Fiona’s sessions are much more beneficial to me and I am certainly noticing improvements.
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I was introduced to Fiona and her Yoga for Healthy Backs classes by my physiotherapist almost a year ago.

Her classes are especially designed to accommodate people with back pain. The classes are small, which means that Fiona can see all of us to help us. She will always find ways for us to modify any exercise that we find difficult or painful.

Dru Yoga should be available in every GP surgery.

Yoga for Healthy Backs
Yoga for Healthy Backs

Things to know before you attend…

Please wear comfortable clothes you can bend and stretch in easily and that you won’t have to fiddle with whilst standing on one leg!

Our bodies tend to cool down during the relaxation at the end of the class so have a jumper, blanket and some cosy socks to hand, even in the warmer months.

Yoga is usually practiced barefoot to improve the strength and flexibility of the foot, as well as your balance, but if you wish to leave your socks on, that’s fine. Please just be aware that socked feet can slip, even on a non-slip mat.

You will need very little equipment – just a yoga mat, a sturdy dining chair and a cushion or pillow. Please have a drink handy too, preferably water.

It is advisable to wait at least two hours after eating to practice yoga and you will feel better if that meal is light. Alternatively, have a light snack about an hour before class to keep you going.

Most importantly, you know your body better than anybody else. Please listen to your body throughout the class and never do anything that causes strain, makes you hold your breath or hurts. If you are unsure, please ask me to explain; your question will probably help others in the class too.

Are you a physiotherapy clinic owner?

Would you like me to teach my popular course of Yoga for Healthy Backs classes at your clinic? Not only are my classes effective but, if you have studio space that is not used to its full potential, they can also help you to increase the turnover of your clinic. The classes can be used to enhance the effectiveness of patients’ individual treatment sessions or to retain, as ongoing customers, those patients who would otherwise have been discharged. Of course, the classes themselves may also attract new patients into your practice too.

Interested in corporate classes?

My classes have been designed to reduce the incidence of back pain, both in the workplace and everyday life. This equates to a reduction in sickness absence, greater productivity and improved mood.

The classes are suitable for those employees with pre-existing back pain or stiffness as well as those whose jobs involve manual handling or prolonged sitting and who are therefore at risk of developing back pain.