Therapeutic yoga sequencing is more than just arranging poses; it’s about creating a meaningful and safe experience for practitioners. For professionals aiming to become certified in yoga methods, understanding the “why” behind sequences is as important as mastering the “how.” This knowledge ensures classes are not only effective but also minimize the risk of injury.

Let’s delve into key considerations that professionals should keep in mind when designing therapeutic yoga sequences.

1. The Importance of Knowing the “Why”

A well-structured sequence stems from a deep understanding of biomechanics and the needs of diverse practitioners. For example, hip-related cues such as “open hips,” “closed hips,” and “neutral hips” can vary significantly in application depending on the body type and experience level of students.

Aspiring instructors should move beyond replicating sequences learned during training and instead focus on why certain alignments and transitions are beneficial or potentially harmful. As our Founder Dana Slamp says, “Once you know the why, you can change the how.” For instance: If you are including a warm-up section in a general slow flow class, you are doing so to prepare both the muscles and the joints for deeper movements, holds, and/or balance asanas while also teaching mindful breathing. If you are teaching chair yoga, you can still teach a warmup that accomplishes these intentions that is created specifically for students using chairs.

2. Prioritizing Safe Transitions

Repetitive stress injuries can arise from improper weight-bearing poses over the years - particularly in the hips. A nuanced understanding of anatomy helps avoid issues such as sacral derangement caused by over-stretching or hypermobility in certain practitioners. This is especially critical for students who may already have vulnerabilities due to age, lifestyle, or previous injuries.

Transitions between poses are often overlooked but play a pivotal role in maintaining safety. For instance, transitioning from Warrior I to Warrior II can be done safely - but over years of practice may strain the connective tissues in the hips.

To mitigate this, consider the following approaches:

Introduce a high lunge: Before transitioning to Warrior II, a high lunge allows the back foot to adjust, reducing strain on the hips and knees.
Straighten the front leg: This action helps reset alignment and alleviates pressure on the hips, making the transition smoother and safer.

By emphasizing proper transitions, instructors ensure that the practice remains sustainable for students over the long term.

3. Catering to Biodiversity in Movement

Every body is unique, and therapeutic yoga sequencing must honor this biodiversity. While some students may excel in poses that require significant flexibility, others might struggle. Encourage students to listen to their bodies, offering modifications and equipment to support their individual needs.

For example:

Twists and lumbar safety: Since the lumbar spine has limited rotational capacity (25-50 degrees), it’s vital to focus twists in the thoracic spine. Encouraging axial extension—creating space between vertebrae—enhances safety and prevents discomfort.
Allowing movement in the hips: Contrary to rigid cues, permitting slight mobility in poses like twisted chair can protect the sacroiliac (SI) joint from overstrain, especially in hypermobile students.

4. Balancing Strength and Flexibility

Therapeutic yoga isn’t just about achieving flexibility; it’s about fostering a balance between strength and mobility. Overworking smaller muscle groups, like those in the hips or shoulders, can lead to exhaustion or injury.

Encourage a holistic approach by:

Focusing on larger muscle groups: Prioritize engaging major muscle groups for stability and support.
Incorporating strength-building transitions: For instance, moving from a low lunge to a plank pose engages the core and prevents over-reliance on smaller, more vulnerable muscles.

5. Encouraging Lifelong Practice

Therapeutic yoga emphasizes sustainability. Instructors should design sequences that allow practitioners to continue their practice safely throughout their lives. This means avoiding patterns that may feel good in the short term but contribute to long-term wear and tear.

For instance, transitioning between open and closed hip postures should be done sparingly to avoid overstressing the connective tissues.

Final Thoughts

Therapeutic yoga sequencing requires mindfulness, anatomical understanding, and a commitment to student well-being. By prioritizing safe transitions, respecting individual differences, and fostering balance, certified yoga professionals can create transformative and lasting experiences for their students.

Aspiring instructors, remember: therapeutic yoga isn’t just about the poses; it’s about the journey. With thoughtful sequencing, you can empower your students to practice yoga for years to come—safely and joyfully.

Ready to take your practice and teaching skills to the next level? Enroll in our annual PYI Yoga Therapeutics Essentials course. You can also visit our website for more courses.

Therapeutic Yoga Sequencing Considerations: A Guide for Yoga Teachers