When I completed my first Yoga training in 2009 the Anatomy and Physiology component consisted of colouring pages and pages of an Anatomy Colouring Book. This method did not stick in my head. Luckily for me I had already completed a fair amount of anatomy in my Shiatsu course and so this was a refresher. But the people who had not previously done anatomy found it very challenging.
When I put Inspire's training together I wanted to make sure the Anatomy and Physiology component was delivered in a way that was comprehensive and related directly to Yoga. Luckily for me (and you) I have a sister who has been a Physiotherapist for 20 years and has worked in clinical practise for most of that time. She has helped numerous people recover from injury, surgery and treated many muscoloskeletal conditions. She knows her stuff.
I asked Leanne a little about herself and what her expertise brings to the Inspire Yoga 2020 teacher training.
1. Who are you and what do you do?
My name is Leanne Hughes. I have worked as a Physiotherapist in private practise for 20 years, diagnosing and treating a huge range of musculoskeletal pain and injury. 4 years ago I teamed up with my sister Liama to form Inspire Dee Why. Although I have used yoga in my personal life for many years, the need for a Physiotherapists input into the anatomy and functional mechanics of yoga movements became apparent when Liama and I began working together.
2. What is your expertise in anatomy and physiology?
I have two university level qualifications with a Bachelor of Medical Science and a Bachelor of Physiotherapy. Both degrees fed my love of anatomy, physiology and biomechanics. This knowledge is used in my every day work as a Physiotherapist.
3. How does your knowledge help Yoga Teachers be more informed, particularly when working with injury?
Physiotherapists require an extensive knowledge of anatomy and physiology to diagnose and treat injury and pathology. This depth of knowledge is not needed to become a Yoga teacher. However, key aspects of this knowledge can be drawn upon, to increase the effectiveness and safety of traditional yoga poses. Your personal yoga practice and that of your students will be specifically targeted and in turn the benefits significantly enhanced.
4. Give an example of a posture and how you would teach it if a person was injured - say lower back issues.
Shoulder bridge may be modified to a pelvic tilt, initiated by transverse abdominus or pelvic floor without glute activation. The activation of TrA in itself can reduce low back pain and the pelvic tilting brings awareness and gentle, painfree movement to the lumbar spine.
