Yoga For A Healthy Back

“Yes, we can think something strange at first, but in the course of time the object of meditation will become you, or you will become that.”

– TKV Desikachar

Click on the links for results of a back pain study at Brigham and Women's Hospital taught by Sandra. The abstract is published in the International Journal of Yoga Therapists, October 2010 special issue. It was also presented at the Symposium for Yoga Research, October 1-2, in Honesdale, PA. The article, entitled, Evaluation of a Yoga Program for Back Pain, was published in the Journal of Yoga & Physical Therapy, OMICS Publishing Group, Fall 2011.

Abstract

Evaluation of a Yoga Program for Back Pain

Testimonials

“I studied yoga on and off for years, but stopped practicing altogether when a physical therapist told me that yoga might be bad for my back condition. I'm only in my mid-40's, but chronic problems with my lower back have limited my ability to bike and enjoy other outdoor activities. I missed doing those things and wished for a healthier back. I wondered if yoga might still be helpful&elips;if only I could find a knowledgeable and careful teacher. On the advice of a friend, I tried Sandra's yoga class. My back felt better immediately, and I loved the deep but gentle sequences of stretches. After several sessions my back now feels stronger and more limber than it has in years. Sandra is attentive and caring and very experienced. She has an incredible store of knowledge about the benefits of yoga postures and how to tailor them to each person's needs. Most of all she has a spiritual presence and light that lifts everyone who takes her class.”

– Betsy O.

“I participated in private sessions under the advice of my doctor. I injured myself in an auto accident in 1986. Since my initial injury I have consistently re-injured my left side. I have been to physical therapists and chiropractors and received temporary relief. The results I have experienced (from these Yoga sessions) have been 'life changing'. The chronic pain is no longer managing me. I know if I complete my yoga routine on a daily basis, I will never go back to those painful sleepless nights. I now have a quality of life that I dreamed of having.”

– Jill C.

“Before 2002, when I began to study yoga with Sandra Uyterhoeven, I suffered from three conditions: lower back pain brought on by prolonged standing, an infrequent but sharp pain due to a slightly herniated disc in my middle back, and occasional painful sciatica. After a year of classes with Sandra and my own personal yoga practice I no longer experienced the lower back pain. Also, the frequency of occurrence of the disk pain reduced to virtually zero. Similarly, the sciatica left for Florida and only comes back for a visit if I sit for a long time in an awkward position. Sandra is a perceptive, knowledgeable, and caring teacher whom I recommend without reservation”

– Peter Z.

Download the yoga for a healthy back personal history form (pdf).