FAQs - Page 2 of 4 - Cadence Physiotherapy & Rehab

Q: What is Clinical Yoga?

Clinical Yoga is a one to one yoga session led by a physiotherapist who is also a registered yoga instructor. It combines the movement and poses of yoga with the assessment and clinical knowledge of physiotherapy. At Cadence Physiotherapy & Rehab in Vancouver, we begin with a physiotherapy assessment. We look at how your body moves and identify the areas that may be contributing to your symptoms. From there, we choose and adapt yoga poses to improve strength, mobility, balance, and movement control. Because the session is designed around your body and your goals, Clinical Yoga feels less like a general fitness class and more like a personalized physiotherapy treatment.

Q: What is the difference between Clinical Yoga and regular yoga?

In a regular yoga class, the instructor is teaching a group, so the poses and cues need to work for many different people. Even with modifications, there is not always time to explore exactly why a pose feels uncomfortable or difficult for you. Clinical Yoga is completely individualized. You work one to one with a physiotherapist who understands both yoga and how the body moves. We can assess each pose, change your position, and find cues that make sense for your body. Each session also works toward a clear goal, whether that is recovering from an injury, building strength, improving mobility, or feeling more confident in your yoga practice.

Q: Can Clinical Yoga help with injury recovery?

Yes. Yoga can be a useful part of injury recovery when the poses are chosen and adapted with a clear understanding of your injury. We use specific poses to target areas that need more strength, mobility, or control. If a pose places too much stress on the injured area, we can modify it and gradually progress it as your body becomes more comfortable and capable. The one to one format gives us time to watch how you move and make adjustments along the way. This allows you to practise yoga in a way that supports your physiotherapy goals and your stage of recovery.

Q: Can Clinical Yoga help me improve a pose I am struggling with?

Absolutely. You do not need to be injured to benefit from Clinical Yoga. If there is a pose you cannot quite access, a position that feels uncomfortable, or a movement you have been trying to improve in class, we can use the session to workshop it together. We look at what may be limiting the pose, such as strength, mobility, balance, coordination, or the way you are setting up the movement. We can then try different cues, supports, and positions to find an approach that works better for your body. The goal is not to force your body into a shape. It is to help you understand the pose, build the physical capacity it requires, and practise it with more confidence and control.

Q: Why would my rib cage affect pain in other parts of my body?

The rib cage connects to the neck, shoulders, and pelvis through multiple muscle and connective tissue systems, and plays a central role in spinal movement. When the thoracic rings are not moving optimally, the body compensates in other areas, which can generate pain and restriction far from the rib cage itself. This is why rib cage assessment is often a key part of treating seemingly unrelated symptoms.

Q: Can ConnectTherapy™ help with chronic or long-standing pain?

It can be particularly useful in these cases. When pain has been present for a long time or keeps returning despite treatment, it often means the underlying driver has not yet been identified. ConnectTherapy™ is designed to find that driver through a systematic full-body assessment.