New research finds that a yoga class designed specifically for back pain can be as effective as physical therapy in relieving pain. The yoga protocol includes gentle poses and avoids more difficult ones.

Study Finds Yoga Can Help Back Pain, But Keep It Gentle, With These Poses
If you're tired of popping pain medicine for your lower back pain, yoga may be a good alternative.

New research finds that a yoga class designed specifically for back pain can be as safe and effective as physical therapy in easing pain.

The yoga protocol was developed by researchers at Boston Medical Center with input from yoga teachers, doctors and physical therapists.

During the class, trained instructors guide participants through gentle poses, including cat-cow, triangle pose and child's pose. Simple relaxation techniques are part of the class as well. More difficult poses, such as inversions, are avoided.

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A guidebook that details the poses taught during the class is freely available, as is a teacher training manual.

The findings, published Monday in the Annals of Internal Medicine, are in line with new guidelines for treating back pain from the American College of Physicians. The group recommends that people with back pain should avoid pain medicines if possible, and instead opt for alternatives such as tai chi, yoga and massage. As we've reported, those guidelines are aimed at people with run-of-the-mill back pain, rather than pain due to an injury or other diagnosed problem.

Who was in the study? Researchers recruited 320 racially diverse, predominantly low-income participants in the Boston area, all of whom had chronic low back pain. The study lasted one year.

What did participants in the study do? Participants were divided into three groups. One group was assigned to a weekly yoga class for 12 weeks. Another group was assigned 15 physical therapy (PT) visits. The third group received an educational book and newsletters. For the remainder of the year — roughly 40 weeks — participants in the yoga group were assigned to either drop-in classes or home practice. The PT group was assigned to either "PT booster sessions" or home practice.

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The skinny: Researchers assessed changes in pain and function using a 23-point questionnaire. The participants in the yoga and physical therapy groups had about the same amount of improvement in pain and functioning over time.

When the study began, about 70 percent of the patients were taking some form of pain medication. At the end of three months, when the yoga classes were wrapping up, the percentage of yoga and PT participants still taking pain medication had dropped to about 50 percent. By comparison, the use of pain medication did not decline among participants in the education group.

"It's a significant reduction," says study author Rob Saper, director of integrative medicine at Boston Medical Center.

"I'm not recommending that people just go to any yoga class," Saper told us. He pointed out that their research has helped nail down poses and relaxation techniques that are helpful and safe.

Saper says he chose to compare the effects of yoga with physical therapy because "PT is the most common referral that physicians make for patients with back pain. It's accepted, it's reimbursed, and it's offered in most hospitals."

Saper says if research shows that yoga can be as effective, "maybe yoga should be considered as a potential therapy that can be more widely disseminated and covered [by insurance]."

An editorial published alongside the study points out that treating low back pain is complicated and improvements documented in the study were modest.

"Any single treatment approach is unlikely to prove helpful to all or even most patients," writes Stefan Kertesz of the University of Alabama at Birmingham School of Medicine and his co-author, Douglas Chang of University of California, San Diego. Nonetheless, as this new study has shown, "yoga offers some persons tangible benefit without much risk," they conclude.

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Focus: Expanded Yogo Classes includes Group, individual, and fitness-focused classes for everyone

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Group yoga classes
We offer one-time group yoga classes that provide relaxation, calm, and rest for all participants. An experienced instructor will lead you through a session that will help you strengthen your body and mind, improve flexibility, and regain inner peace. Join our group and enjoy the benefits of yoga practice in a friendly and supportive atmosphere!

Individual yoga classes
We invite you to individual yoga classes, tailored entirely to your needs and goals. During your session, you'll have the opportunity to work with an experienced instructor who will tailor the practice to your skill level and preferences. Focus on developing your practice, improve your flexibility, relax your mind and body, and discover the benefits of yoga for health and vitality. Book your individual class today and fully benefit from a personalized approach to yoga!

Fitness - yoga for women
We invite you to join us for fitness yoga for women, a perfect blend of physical activity and relaxation. Our fitness yoga classes focus on improving fitness, strength, and flexibility while also helping you relax your mind and reduce stress. Join our group to reap the benefits of physical activity tailored specifically for women, helping you maintain your health and well-being!

Health and Harmony: Discover Yoga for Yourself
Welcome to our center dedicated to health and harmony, where everyone can find something for themselves. Our mission is to promote physical and emotional well-being through diverse and personalized yoga, qigong, and fitness services.

Are you looking for relaxation and tranquility in a group yoga class? Or perhaps you need personalized care and support in your recovery? Whatever your goals and needs, we have the right offer for you.

Our qualified instructors are ready to introduce you to the world of yoga, where movement, breathing, and meditation come together to create harmony in body and mind. Group yoga classes are a great opportunity to discover new ways to care for yourself and improve your physical well-being.

Whether you're new to yoga or a seasoned practitioner, we encourage you to join our community. We offer a variety of services so everyone can find something they enjoy and begin their own journey to better health and harmony.

Oher services offered by the studio:

Massage
Rehabilitation
Qigong
Numerology

Physical rehabilitation (with fitness/yoga elements)
helps improve motor function, strength, and flexibility through personalized exercises and relaxation techniques. Our holistic approach integrates movement therapy with elements of fitness and yoga, supporting our clients' physical and mental health.

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Yoga sessions can be paired with physical rehabilitation, a modality the team says can help with motor function, strength, and improved flexibility.

These offerings, however, typically begins with an extensive body diagnostics, where the  team evaluates the client's physical and emotional health, and based on that creates a personalized program that addresses their needs.

Useful content snippet:

Yoga is beneficial because it improves physical health—enhancing flexibility, strength, balance, and posture while reducing chronic pain. It supports cardiovascular health, boosts the immune system, and lowers blood pressure. Mentally, yoga reduces stress, anxiety, and depression while improving sleep quality, mood, and mental clarity.

Relevant statistics

Chronic pain affects more than one-fifth of the Polish population, or about 8 million people. Yoga alongside other alternative approaches can be used to alleviate symptoms, as they've been shown to help with posture and reducing chronic pain.

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ASY Studio is a dedicated yoga studio committed to promoting health, mindfulness, and well-being. "We offer a range of yoga classes for all levels, from beginners to advanced practitioners, in a serene and welcoming environment. Our experienced instructors guide you through each session, helping you improve flexibility, strength, and inner peace. Whether you're looking for relaxation, fitness, or a deeper connection with yourself, Asy Studio is here to support your journey".

Yes, yoga is a highly effective, evidence-based, low-impact practice for relieving chronic and acute back pain by increasing mobility, strengthening the core, improving posture, and reducing stress. Specific poses like Cat-Cow, Child’s Pose, and Bridge Pose stretch muscles, enhance spinal flexibility, and alleviate tension.
Key Benefits for Back Pain
Strengthens Supporting Muscles: Yoga builds strength in the core, glutes, and hips, reducing the load on the spine.
Improves Mobility & Flexibility: Gentle stretching increases blood flow to the spine and lengthens tight muscles in the back, hips, and legs.
Reduces Stress: It lowers psychological stress and tension, which often exacerbates chronic pain.
Improves Alignment: Consistent practice helps correct poor posture, a major contributor to back pain.
Safe Practice Guidelines
Start Slow: Begin with gentle yoga styles (e.g., Hatha or restorative) and avoid strenuous poses that cause pain.
Use Proper Technique: Work with a qualified instructor to learn the correct form and prevent aggravating injuries.
Listen to Your Body: Never force a stretch; stop if you feel sharp pain or tingling.
Recommended Poses: Cat-Cow, Child’s Pose, Downward-Facing Dog, Bridge Pose, and Supine Twists are often recommended.
For optimal results, consistent, long-term practice is recommended over short-term, intensive sessions.

Yoga in 2025: Trends, Benefits & The Future of Practice

Yoga continues to evolve — yet its essence remains timeless. In 2025, yoga is more accessible, diverse, science-supported, and technologically enhanced than ever before.

Whether you’re new to yoga or deepening your practice, this guide explores what yoga looks like today — its trends, benefits, styles, and future direction.New to sequencing classes? Try our detailed guide on creating an online Vinyasa yoga class sequence.
Commonly Asked Voice Search Questions
“What is yoga in 2025?”
Yoga in 2025 is a blend of traditional mindfulness and modern wellness science. It includes physical postures (yoga asana), breathwork, meditation, and technology-enhanced tools such as AI-guided classes and wearable-assisted alignment feedback.

While the physical, old-school style approach is still relevant, teachers and studios have found ways to morph technology with the physical, in-person practice, making it the best way to enhance the overall quality of life and enjoyment of physical and mental wellness.

“Is yoga still good for beginners in 2025?”
Absolutely. You can try/start yoga at any point in your life. Yoga nowadays is even more beginner-friendly with things like adaptive classes, chair yoga, slow-flow styles of vinyasa yoga, and beginner-focused online classes and series.

We’ve even developed an Online Beginner Series on the YogaRenew app!

“What type of yoga is best for stress?”
It’s up to the practitioner. Many people have caught on to the trend of yin yoga where postures are held for longer periods of time, making it a very relaxing practice. Some yin yoga teachers have even added a sound meditation to the end of the practice during Savasana, which makes it extra relaxing.

Restorative yoga has also been a favorite stress-relieving style of yoga. Restorative yoga has gained popularity in 2025 and is often coupled with acupuncture to enhance the restorative aspect of the practice. Since postures are supported mostly by props and are done lying down, it makes it a perfect companion to the energy alignment and relaxation of acupuncture.

Major Yoga Trends in 2025
1. Technology-Enhanced Yoga: AI-guided classes, smart mats, posture-tracking wearables, and virtual studios are now mainstream tools that make home practice more personalized and precise.
2. Trauma-Informed & Mental Health-Focused Yoga: More teachers integrate somatic practices, mindfulness-based stress reduction, and trauma-sensitive cueing to support emotional wellbeing.
3. Strength-Building Yoga: Functional strength, mobility and joint stability are high priorities in 2025. Expect hybrid classes combining yoga with mobility drills and resistance tools. Check out our Sculpt Series with Flow Go Girl on the app!
4. Inclusive & Adaptive Yoga: Chair yoga, plus-size yoga, LGBTQIA+-affirming spaces, chronic pain programs and neurodiversity support make yoga more welcoming than ever.
5. Longevity-Focused Yoga: Yoga for healthy aging, joint care, balance training, breathwork and nervous-system regulation are among the fastest-growing categories.
6. Outdoor & Nature-Based Yoga: Sunrise flows, park classes, beach yoga and hiking-yoga fusions continue to grow as people seek grounding and digital detox.
The Benefits of Yoga in 2025
Physical Benefits of Yoga
Improved flexibility and mobility
Stronger, more stable joints
Better posture and alignment
Increased muscular strength
Enhanced cardiovascular health
Mental & Emotional Benefits of Yoga
Reduced anxiety and stress
Greater mental clarity
Better emotional regulation
Lower burnout levels
Holistic Lifestyle Benefits
Improved sleep quality
Enhanced mind-body awareness
Sustainable healthy habits
A sense of community and belonging
Popular Yoga Styles in 2025
These are the styles people practice most this year:

Vinyasa Yoga – fluid, breath-connected movement
Hatha Yoga – slower foundational practice
Yin Yoga – deep tissue release and long holds
Power Yoga – strength-driven and athletic
Restorative Yoga – prop-supported relaxation
Kundalini Yoga – breathwork, Kriyas, and mantra
Hot Yoga – warm rooms promoting circulation
How to Start Practicing Yoga in 2025
1. Start with beginner-friendly classes: Look for Hatha, gentle Vinyasa, yoga for beginners, or slow-flow classes to build a strong foundation.

2. Use both online and in-person options: Online classes offer convenience; in-person offers alignment support and community.

3. Practice 10-15 minutes a day: Consistency matters more than intensity.

4. Prioritize breath awareness: The breath is the anchor of every yoga practice.

5. Use props without hesitation: Blocks, straps, chairs, blankets and cushions make poses safer and more accessible.

6. Try multiple styles: Your perfect style may change over time — explore until you find your rhythm.

The Future of Yoga: Mindful, Inclusive & Tech-Supported
Yoga in 2025 proves that an ancient practice can evolve with modern life while maintaining its traditional heart. Whether you practice in-studio, outdoors, or via AI-supported home sessions, yoga continues to promote balance, strength, emotional clarity and overall wellbeing.

The future of yoga is inclusive, mindful, accessible — and open to everyone.

Physical therapy (PT) and yoga both improve physical health, but PT is a short-term, medically structured, and insurance-covered rehabilitation for acute injuries. Yoga is a long-term, holistic, self-directed practice for chronic pain and wellness, focusing on mind-body balance. They are often combined, with yoga acting as a beneficial follow-up to PT.
Key Differences:
Approach: PT is a clinical, evidence-based, targeted, and diagnostic approach to treating specific injuries. Yoga uses breathwork and poses to enhance overall flexibility, strength, and mental health, with a more holistic view.
Structure & Goal: Physical therapy has an end date, aiming to recover, fix a specific, acute, or chronic problem, and restore movement. Yoga is an ongoing, long-term practice with no set ending.
Supervision: PT is administered by a licensed professional. Yoga is taught by instructors, though yoga therapy (different from general yoga) is specifically designed for therapeutic, personalized care.
Setting: PT is usually done in a clinic, while yoga is practiced in studios or at home.
Insurance: PT is often covered by insurance; yoga is usually an out-of-pocket, personal expense.
When to Choose Which:
Choose Physical Therapy if: You are dealing with an acute injury, post-surgical recovery, severe pain, or need a specific diagnosis and customized treatment plan.
Choose Yoga if: You are looking for long-term maintenance, stress reduction, to manage chronic issues, or for general wellness after rehab is completed.
Combination: Yoga can be an effective, lower-cost adjunct to physical therapy for managing chronic low back pain.
Note: For acute, severe, or new injuries, consulting a doctor or physical therapist is advis

Yoga Therapy and Physical Therapy – What’s the Difference?

This is a great question to ask, both for people who are considering yoga therapy and physical therapy as treatment options as well as those who are considering them as potential career paths. While my expertise is in yoga therapy, I have immense respect for both fields and believe that they each have a lot to offer.

Keep reading to get an understanding of yoga therapy vs. physical therapy, how yoga therapists and physical therapists are trained, and when to seek out a physical therapist, a yoga therapist, or both.

Yoga Therapy vs. Physical Therapy
Yoga therapy and physical therapy share a common goal: helping to heal physical conditions. One of the major differences between them to keep in mind is that physical therapists focus only on the body, while yoga therapists take a more holistic approach.

In many cases, a patient will go to a physical therapist first and if those techniques are not enough to resolve the issue, then they’ll enlist the help of a yoga therapist. In certain situations where the benefit of a yoga therapist is clear from the start, however, it can be a good idea to work with physical therapy and yoga therapy simultaneously.

There’s also occupational therapy, which involves helping people adapt everyday activities to their abilities so they can live more independently.

With this overview in mind, I’ll dive deeper into the similarities and differences of yoga therapy and physical therapy below, taking into account the use cases and training required for each.

Is Yoga Better Than Physical Therapy?
Let’s get this out of the way first. I don’t think that yoga therapy is always better than physical therapy, or that physical therapy is always better than yoga therapy. Rather than asking if yoga is better than physical therapy, a better question to ask is if yoga therapy or physical therapy is a better option for you.

If you’re a client, the answer will depend on what you’re trying to heal, how your body has responded so far, and if there are other factors at play, such as a history of trauma or a mental health condition. If you’re a job seeker, the answer will depend on your goals, interests, work style, and educational attainment.

How Is Yoga Therapy Similar to Physical Therapy?
Yoga therapy is actually similar to physical therapy in several ways:

Goals: Both yoga therapy and physical therapy aim to heal people from physical problems and pains.

Training: Although their training differs in many ways, both yoga therapists and physical therapists learn about human anatomy and muscular issues.

Process: In most cases, yoga therapists and physical therapists alike will perform an intake assessment, come up with a treatment plan, and walk clients through different stretches and exercises to perform.

How Is Yoga Therapy Different from Physical Therapy?
Although they have their similarities, there are many more ways in which yoga therapy is different from physical therapy.

Training
Physical therapists complete a significant amount of training, including their doctorate degree. They learn how to help patients with all areas of human muscular or structural dysfunction. Physical therapists also have much more extensive training in pathology, giving them more knowledge about health conditions and diagnoses.

Yoga therapists do not need a graduate degree to practice. Instead, they should become IAYT certified, the highest level of yoga therapy certification. The requirements include at least 800 hours of yoga therapy training in an accredited program as well as passing a certification exam.

Yoga therapists learn how to apply yoga techniques to physical and mental health conditions. These techniques include asanas (yoga poses), pranayamas (breathing techniques), meditation, and even chanting. Yoga therapists study anatomy, yogic philosophy, therapeutic application of techniques, and much more to prepare them for working with a wide variety of clients and health conditions.

Scope
A physical therapist using a yoga pose with a client, demonstrating the benefits of combining physical therapy and yoga therapy.
Physical therapists only work with the body. Common issues that physical therapists treat include hip pain, shoulder dysfunction, and back pain. PTs are especially valuable in helping patients recover from injuries or rehab from surgeries. It makes the most sense to see a physical therapist if you’re facing an acute issue.

By contrast, yoga therapists work on a more holistic whole-person model that includes both body and mind. They can treat physical issues as well as mental conditions. When considering yoga therapy vs. physical therapy, it makes more sense to see a yoga therapist if an acute injury has become chronic or if physical therapy isn’t producing the desired results.

Yoga therapy can also be more beneficial if there are other factors involved. For example, a yoga therapist can use techniques to reduce someone’s anxiety level before starting certain treatments or work with survivors in a trauma-informed approach.

Process
With their training in pathology, physical therapists can perform diagnostic tests to determine the root cause of a physical problem, while yoga therapists are not trained to make diagnoses. Many physical therapists also have physical manipulation skills, which allow them to perform techniques to help muscles relax. Physical therapists often have a significant amount of tools at their disposal, such as hot and cold therapy devices and stim machines.

However, physical therapists are often limited by insurance considerations in terms of how they work and the time they can spend with patients. In many cases, patients will actually see a physical therapy assistant because PTAs require less education and training. The physical therapist oversees their work.

Unlike physical therapists, yoga therapists also have training to assess breathing patterns and how they might affect a client’s pain and healing outcomes. Breath can be a guide for pain, affecting the client’s body and potentially even allowing them to shift their perception of pain. Yoga therapists not only work with movement and breath patterns, but also different mental states, specific breathing techniques, and meditation. Breathing and meditation can be used by yoga therapists to better prepare clients for certain types of treatments, giving them a better chance at a positive outcome.

Yoga therapy is not often covered by insurance, which can actually give yoga therapists more flexibility in how they work. Yoga therapists are able to work directly with clients, learn more about their experiences, and spend more time assessing their exercises over time and making any necessary adjustments to help promote healing.

Combining Yoga and Physical Therapy
If someone’s issue is purely muscular, then it may not make sense to combine yoga and physical therapy from the start. A physical therapist would be the first stop in their healing process to see if they can resolve the problem. If not, a yoga therapist can provide more individualized instruction that incorporates additional techniques, such as how to move and breathe to reduce suffering. A yoga therapist can often be helpful in finding the best way to integrate movement therapy into a client’s life and bring them to the end of their healing journey.

However, there are many other times when it works best to use physical therapy and yoga therapy in tandem. If someone has a history of trauma or a mental health condition and they are also facing a physical issue, then combining yoga and physical therapy from the beginning could work best.

Yoga and Physical Therapy Benefits
The benefits of engaging both yoga and physical therapy include:

Gaining multiple perspectives on a case

Addressing both physical and mental conditions

Creating a holistic approach that incorporates many techniques

Accessing more resources to healing

Preparing better before treatments that may be triggering

For instance, you may need a physical therapist to help you recover from whiplash after a car accident. But 22% of road traffic accident survivors develop PTSD. While a physical therapist can help work on your muscles, a yoga therapist can help you to move safely and in ways that aren’t triggering.

How to Find a Yoga Therapist
If you’re looking to get started with a yoga therapist, I can proudly recommend the graduates of Breathing Deeply’s yoga therapy program. In fact, a select few of these graduates and myself are offering one-on-one yoga therapy sessions over Zoom.

If you’re interested in finding out whether yoga therapy is a good fit for you, read more about our private sessions and fill out our form. Someone from our team will follow up with you and let you know how we can help.

Yoga versus Physical Therapy: What’s the Difference?

Physical therapy (PT) and yoga are two practices designed to improve physical health and well-being. While most people have heard of both yoga and physical therapy (PT), you may not know the key differences between the two. This article provides a general overview of both PT and yoga.

Physical therapy is a rehabilitative science consisting of various types of assessments and therapeutic interventions which are designed to address specific impairments and medical conditions.  Physical therapists are movement experts.  Physical therapy is indicated when someone is experiencing a condition that affects their functional ability, including day-to-day activities and recreational activities.  Physical therapy can be beneficial for most conditions, either as a primary treatment or as an adjunct to additional medical care.

Yoga is a holistic practice designed to unify the body, mind, and spirit.  Yoga looks first at the inner self, then looks outward to the physical body.  While physical therapy also considers these “whole body” elements, it’s primary focus is the physical body and its current limitation.  Because of the holistic nature of yoga, this practice is constantly evolving to restore balance in the body and is not structured to have an end-date.  Yoga is designed to be performed consistently for a long period of time, from years to decades.   Some people practice daily, others weekly, and so on.

Physical therapy, on the other hand, has an end to every episode of care.  Clients are then prescribed a home exercise program and are educated how to self-manage their condition.  The expectation is that they use their tools to maintain the gains made in therapy.

Yoga can be practiced by anyone, regardless of age or ability.  Finding the right yoga program for you consists of discovering your preference toward asana (yoga’s physical postures), pranayama (yoga’s breathing techniques), and meditation components, as well as what style and pace you prefer.  Some styles of yoga are performed more slowly and gently, while others are performed quickly and require a lot of energy.

Physical therapy is also for anyone, regardless of age or ability.  It is indicated for any individual who is currently experiencing a decline in their baseline functional abilities. A licensed physical therapist performs a thorough evaluation and provides evidence-based treatment for a set number of visits.

Yoga Vs. Physical Therapy For Chronic Low Back Pain: Which Is More Effective?
Oh my aching back...these are words I hear so often, because, as a practicing emergency medicine physician, low back pain is one of the most common ailments I treat on a daily basis.

While some patients have had traumatic injuries, including falls or car accidents with resulting chronic pain syndromes, in many cases, prolonged sitting may be to blame.

The typical 9-5 workday spent sitting in meetings and in front of your computer terminal is a sure-fire way to develop poor posture, which could easily be addressed with simply walking, stretching, and getting up out of your chair.

Athletes may also experience chronic bouts of low back pain due to repetitive stress on the lower spine with inadequate periods of rest.

Treating chronic back pain has become an important issue as we age, as cushioning discs between the spine begin to dry out, increasing the risk of developing a herniated disc, leading to tingling, radiating pain and potentially muscle weakness if not properly addressed.

Approaches for treating pain vary from simply using some heat and a nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory medication (NSAID) such as ibuprofen, to a few days of rest. Muscle relaxants and stronger pain medications may be prescribed by health care providers, but with the opioid crisis, alternative options to alleviating such chronic discomfort is necessary.

In more serious cases, some persons seek the advice of a physical therapist for targeted exercises or specific techniques to alleviate their pain, or even use acupuncture or consider yoga.

Whether one approach over another is better has long been debated.

Now, a study published in the Annals of Internal Medicine yesterday finds that yoga was just as good as physical therapy for reducing pain and increasing mobility .

The study followed 320 mainly low-income, racially diverse adults with chronic low back pain. The study also found that patients who practiced yoga or physical therapy were also less inclined to require pain medications at 12 weeks.

The statistics are impressive, as chronic low back pain affects nearly 10 percent of adults living in the U.S., with a greater impact often seen on racial or ethnic minorities and those of lower socioeconomic status.

While clinical guidelines and many large-scale randomized controlled trials endorse yoga as a reasonable first line approach, physical therapy still remains the most common reimbursable, evidence-based, non-pharmacologic therapy prescribed by doctors.

But there have yet to be any studies that compare the effectiveness of these two therapies head to head. In addition, there is a lack of data about the effectiveness of yoga in racially diverse communities with lower socioeconomic status as primary approach to relieve severe pain and functional disability.

Researchers from Boston Medical Center randomized participants to the following regimen:  12 weekly yoga classes, 15 physical therapy visits, or reading materials  and newsletters about ways to deal with chronic low back pain.

After an “intervention phase”, participants transitioned to a maintenance phase and were followed for 1 year. Designed as a noninferiority trial, the aim was to understand if yoga was as effective as physical therapy for treating chronic low back pain.

What the investigators found was that found that yoga was as effective as physical therapy for alleviating pain, improving function, and reducing the use of pain medication.

Researchers noted that improvements in pain and function in yoga and physical therapy groups extended to 1 year, with similar maintenance strategies in both groups.

The researchers concluded that yoga may be a good alternative to physical therapy, based on patient preferences, cost and availability.

“Yoga is a good compliment to physical therapy, not a replacement,” explained Dr. Amy McGorry, DPT, a physical therapist practicing at Thrive Integrated Physical Therapy SOHO, in New York City.

“Often low back pain is triggered by an instability or excessive motion at one of the vertebral segments that coincides with lack of motion at a vertebral segment near that level.   If the patient is then performing yoga, they run the risk of over stretching the unstable region in their spine by moving too much to compensate for the lack of motion by the stiffer vertebrae while trying to perform that yoga pose. This could contribute to more pain and strain to the surrounding ligaments, muscles and discs,” said McGorry.

Physical therapists can address the instability at a vertebral level, explained McGorry, "by hand-guided stability exercises at a specific level.” The therapist then performs joint mobilization and soft tissue techniques to the neighboring, less mobile or stiffer vertebral joints to help restore proper motion of the spine. Treatment, she adds, also includes “addressing improper firing patterns of muscles to help alleviate strain on the spinal musculature and joints."

In her view, a physical therapist can work with a patient to restore and improve joint mobility so they can perform yoga poses more effectively.

The utility of yoga, emphasizes McGorry, is that it may help the patient “get used to moving again, relax and build on the gains of physical therapy to help reduce back pain further--but not replace it.”

But the power of yoga also lies in its ability to alleviate chronic pain, the subject of many critical reviews and medical trials over the past decade.

“Yoga is something a person can do using their own resources of mind, breath and body to directly confront the dragons of pain and suffering,” said Sol Soloncha, a yoga therapist and registered nurse at Lenox Hill Hospital, Northwell Health. “An effective program of yoga therapy can be tailored for the individual to suit specific goals, interests and medical conditions.  The gentle movement coordinated with conscious breathing that yoga offers helps the mind modulate the nervous system to dampen the pain response and promotes improved circulation and mobility.  It can be tremendously empowering and transformative to realize that one can do something to cope with pain besides taking a pill. ”

This change is approach comes on the heels of a newly released guideline issued earlier this year by the American College of Physicians (ACP) emphasizing consideration of “non-pharmacological options like yoga and mindfulness meditation before prescribing opioids for patients with chronic lower back pain,” according to Soloncha.

As the death toll from overprescribing of opioids continue to mount, embracing alternative therapies such as yoga and acupuncture, which harness the powerful mind-body connection, may help break the powerful grip of opioids in our culture.