Occupational Therapy and Yoga Is a Powerful Combination

Each blog post is dated and contains accurate information as of that date. Certain information may have changed since the blog post publication date. If you would like to confirm the current accuracy of blog information, please visit our Online OTA program overview page or contact us at (877) 223-2677.

Finding a career that makes you happy is about finding a job where you can incorporate your interests.

For those who enjoy exercising and leading a generally healthy lifestyle, choosing a career in occupational therapy allows you to do what you love while making a difference. But how? You can blend occupational therapy and yoga to improve the lives of your patients and still keep your own healthy lifestyle on track.

OT and yoga - a powerful combination

Occupational Therapy and Yoga

Although yoga isn’t typically considered a life-changing exercise routine, such as running or weightlifting, it may be the perfect intervention for patients who need occupational therapy, regardless of age.

Yoga for Strength

Yoga is a great tool for improving strength in patients who may have weak muscles. Some basic moves can be used to improve core strength and muscle control. There are also many yoga positions that can be used by small children or the elderly alike.

The elderly who may have injured themselves can do yoga to improve strength and stretch out muscles. The yoga poses used in occupational therapy should depend upon the patient’s needs.

Additionally, children who may have sensory processing disorders can have yoga incorporated into their occupational therapy routine.

Yoga and Stress Relief

Occupational therapy is about more than treating physical ailments. Yoga can be used to help children and adults alike increase stamina, improve body awareness, and improve emotional health. By utilizing yoga as a stress-relief technique, you can help your patients with ADD/ADHD, autism, and more.

Beginner Yoga for OTA

Yoga poses
Image Source: yogasilhouette.com

These yoga poses are great for beginner occupational therapy patients.

Mountain Pose

To do mountain pose, stand upright with your feet hip-width apart. Breathe slowly and deeply, raising your arms straight above your head as you breathe.

Child’s Pose

Child’s pose, as the name implies, is a great pose for children, but is good for OT patients of all ages.

To do child’s pose, sit with your legs folded under you, so the heels of your feet touch your bottom. Slowly stretch your arms forward with your head between your outstretched arms.

Tree Pose

Tree pose is a good relaxation and strength-building pose. To do tree pose, stand with your feet shoulder-width apart. Place the flat of your right foot along the inside of your left thigh. Once you are balanced, stretch your arms above your head with your palms pressed together.

Cat-Cow Pose

Cat-cow pose is a good pose for managing back pain. To do cat-cow pose, get on all fours with your weight distributed evenly. Arch your back up, like a cat, and breathe deeply in and out. Slowly arch your back down as you inhale and exhale.

Warrior Pose

Warrior pose is good for strength and relaxation. To do warrior pose, stand with your legs four feet apart, your left bent 90 degrees at the knee in front of you and your right leg straight behind you. Stretch your arms out straight and hold the pose as long as you want.

You can easily incorporate your favorite yoga poses into the routines of your occupational therapy patients, depending on their ability, strength, and needs.

If you want to learn more about what an occupational therapy assistant does, contact a St. Catherine Admissions Advisor today.

outside shot of st. kate campus

The Ultimate Guide to Occupational Therapy and OTA

Get answers to your questions about the field, about the OTA career path, and about St. Catherine University’s Online OTA program.

book with cover title: Occupational Therapy Assistant Explained