Why Try Yoga after a Stroke or Brain Injury?

Often after a stroke or brain injury it can be difficult to find new ways to exercise. Yoga can be a beneficial way to maintain and improve your physical and mental health. Yoga is extremely adaptable, making it a perfect fit after a stroke or brain injury. Yoga has been found to reduce pain, increase strength, and reduce anxiety. Whether you choose to sit in a chair, stand up, or sit on your mat on the floor you can participate in yoga!

There are many ways to participate in yoga, you might take an adapted yoga class, try a seated yoga video online, or work individually with a yoga instructor. Your occupational therapist or physical therapist might also incorporate yoga into your rehabilitation.

Here in Chicago we have some great accessible yoga resources.

Five Keys Yoga

Room to Breathe Yoga

The Shirley Ryan AbiliatyLab Fitness Center

Yang, I., Fahey, K. (2021). Adaptive yoga. Human Kinetics.