Structural Yoga Therapytm

Bonnie Pariser is a Certified Structural Yoga Therapist and has been in private practice for the past two years. She has successfully applied Structural Yoga Therapy to alleviate the discomfort of many clients who have suffered from scoliosis, back pain, hamstring injuries, sciatica, shoulder strain and general stress.

The initial consult is 1 hour and 15 minutes, follow up appointments are 1 hour.  The fee for appointments is $75.  E-mail and phone contact is highly encouraged during your treatment to discuss any areas of concern.

Please call or e-mail if you have questions about how Structural Yoga Therapy may benefit you.

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About Structural Yoga Therapy (SYT) :

Structural Yoga Therapy™ (SYT) program adapts yoga to the individual’s unique needs. When health is optimal, the body assumes a natural balance of muscle strength and range of motion. However, when illnesses, injuries or structural anomalies are present, they disrupt the body’s innate harmony. Structural Yoga Therapy permits the therapist to assess the client’s restrictions and create an adaptive yoga program uniquely tailored to the individual. This therapeutic modality holds the potential to eliminate or greatly alleviate the pain and discomfort caused by misalignment or injury.

This method was created in 1976 by Mukunda Stiles, author of Structural Yoga Therapy .  Mukunda Stiles is currently on the Advisory Board of the International Association of Yoga Therapists  and is the founder of the Yoga Therapy Center ( www.yogatherapycenter.org )

SYT is a method of yoga that uses:

•  observation of the client’s posture

•  goniometer (range of motion - ROM) and scoliometer spinal assessments

•  manual muscle testing to determine weaknesses

•  techniques for muscle release

•  therapeutic yoga movements within standard range of motion

•  safe, gentle, accessible techniques that allow the client to move in a pain free range

SYT is used to assess limited range of motion, tight / weak muscles, postural imbalances and biomechanics of movements used in the client's work and activities of daily living

The approach in SYT is to first relieve pain by identifying and eliminating movements that are problematic.  Yoga postures, adapted for each individual, are given that can, over time, re-educate the client to move in ways the body is designed to move.  Therapeutic yoga poses are proposed that move the client safely and sensibly toward better alignment, and improved and more balanced strength, flexibility, endurance, and range of motion.  The exercises are demonstrated by the therapist, and the therapist observes the client to ensure that the client understands the movements and executes them correctly.  Handouts are provided for home practice, and ongoing contact with the therapist is encouraged.

In addition to using movements and positions to alleviate pain and realign the body, SYT also takes into account the client's personality, lifestyle, attitude, and stress level, and draws practices from classical yoga that can further enhance the client's rehabilitation and overall well-being.  Yoga practices that are typically used include:

                       •  breathing techniques

                       •  relaxation skill training

                       •  meditation techniques, and

                       •  lifestyle change

As clients work with their individualized programs, periodic reassessments are made, and the program is adjusted to address changes and encourage further progress.

Training of Structural Yoga Therapists

Structural Yoga Therapists undergo a rigorous two year, 700-hour training that involves extensive studies in anatomy, biomechanics, the application of therapeutic movement, and yogic psychology, as well as the application of the more subtle aspects of classical yoga and the related field of Ayurveda. To date over 40 graduates of the training have written papers adapting SYT approaches for specific conditions. These papers are submitted to the International Association of Yoga Therapy for publication in its professional journal (www.iayt.org).

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