Medically-Guided Yoga

Developed by Dr. Jeff Saal and his daughter, Nicole Saal Miller, Medically-Guided Yoga seeks to bridge the gap between Physician and Yoga Instructor. Medically-Guided Yoga is appropriately paced, systematic, and gradual, applying alignment-based instruction to build poses from the foundation and up.  Prescribed by your physician, each 60-minute, private session is individualized to meet your needs and goals. Your Medically-Guided Yoga program is created based upon your medical diagnosis, including but not limited to MRI results and limitations caused by musculoskeletal or medical conditions. 

You will be introduced to a wide range of mind-body practices, including:

• Physical postures (asanas), specific for spine health to promote:
  • Strength and awareness of the muscles to support a neutral spine
  • Soft-tissue flexibility
  • Skeletal mobility
  • Balance
  • Coordination
  • Improved posture
• Breathing practices (pranayama) and Meditation techniques to foster development of:
  • Mind-body awareness
  • The relaxation response and the parasympathetic nervous system
  • Health and prevention
  • Stress management tools

The Experience:

Your first session

During your first session, we will introduce fundamental poses of the Medically-Guided Yoga program. These poses serve as the building blocks of the practice, to encourage strength and awareness of the muscles that support a neutral spine, improve posture, and promote balance. We begin every session in a Restorative pose, a chance to connect with the breath while the body is fully supported with the help of yoga props, such as blankets, bolsters and blocks. This opening Restorative, Breath-centered pose is followed by a series of poses (typically 5-7 per session) to set a steady foundation for your practice. 

Medically-Guided Yoga: The Difference

While standard yoga classes provide a more generalized approach to movement and meditation, Medically-Guided Yoga adapts the practice of Yoga to suit your individual needs, focusing on correct postural alignment of your spine. This individualized, prescription-based approach fosters safety, trust, communication and transparency.  Prior to your first session, the physician and yoga instructor meet together to throughly review your medical history in order to formulate the program emphasis, restrictions and modifications specific to you.