What is Therapeutic Yoga?

Jack Utermoehl

Therapeutic yoga is a gentle, adaptive, and intentional style of yoga designed to support healing at all levels—physical, emotional, and energetic.

This practice is particularly suited for individuals managing chronic conditions, recovering from illness or injury, or simply seeking a more mindful and supportive approach to wellness.

What makes Therapeutic yoga distinct is its individualized and integrative approach.

Often guided by a certified teacher with knowledge of anatomy, pathology, and trauma-informed principles, the practice blends restorative poses, gentle movement, pranayama (breathwork), meditation, and guided relaxation.

It can serve as a complementary therapy to modern healthcare, and is often used alongside treatment plans for pain management, anxiety, depression, fatigue, and other health challenges.

Origins of Therapeutic Yoga

While deeply rooted in classical yoga and Ayurveda, Therapeutic yoga has evolved through modern clinical research and input from physical therapists, yoga therapists, and healthcare professionals.

It draws from hatha yoga, restorative yoga, and other soft modalities to deliver a personalized experience tailored to each individual's needs.

The philosophy of Therapeutic yoga is centered on yoga as medicine. Rather than a fixed sequence, each session is designed with a specific therapeutic aim—whether that's reducing inflammation, regulating the nervous system, or improving joint function.

Practitioners are encouraged to move slowly, stay present with sensations, and cultivate an internal experience of safety and connection.

Yoga Essentials for Your Practice

Support your yoga journey with high-quality, sustainable props designed for comfort and stability.

EcoBlock Cork Yoga Block
EcoBlock Cork Yoga Block

Crafted from eco-friendly cork for durability and a comfortable practice.

$24

Shop Now
Complete Yoga Kit for Beginners
Complete Yoga Kit for Beginners

Includes everything you need to get started: a mat, blocks, and a yoga strap.

$120

Shop Now

Therapeutic Yoga Practice

The practice typically includes breath-led movement, long-held supported postures, and mindfulness-based techniques such as body scans or visualization.

Sequences are crafted based on the student's condition, goals, and limitations. It is not about achieving a perfect posture—it's about restoring balance and trust within the body.

Common Poses: Supported Child’s Pose, Gentle Spinal Twists, Reclined Bound Angle (Supta Baddha Konasana), Legs-Up-the-Wall (Viparita Karani), Gentle Forward Folds

Therapeutic Yoga Suitability

Experience Level: Beginner-Friendly to Specialized

Physical Demand: Relaxation-Focused

Mind-Body Engagement: Balanced Mind-Body

Adaptability: Highly Adaptable and Condition-Specific

Focus Area: Physical Healing, Nervous System Regulation, Emotional Well-being

Notes on Therapeutic Yoga

Therapeutic yoga supports healing by calming the nervous system, reducing muscular tension, improving mobility, and increasing emotional resilience.

It can be beneficial for individuals with conditions such as arthritis, PTSD, cancer, chronic fatigue, or post-surgical recovery. It offers a slower pace and encourages listening deeply to the body's needs without pressure or performance.

Similar Styles

Restorative Yoga, Gentle Yoga, Yin Yoga, Accessible Yoga, Postnatal Yoga, Trauma-Informed Yoga

Equipment

Required: Yoga Mat

Nice to Have: Yoga Blocks, Yoga Strap, Chair, Bolster

Optional: Yoga Blanket, Eye Pillow

References

Yoga as Medicine: The Yogic Prescription for Health and Healing by Timothy McCall, MD

Therapeutic Yoga Kit: Sixteen Postures for Self-Healing through Quiet Yin Awareness by Cheri Clampett and Biff Mithoefer

Back to blog

Leave a comment

Please note, comments need to be approved before they are published.

Support Our Content

Please consider donating to support our efforts and future content.

It is because of you that we are able to share this knowledge.

Thank You

Gratitude and Blessings

Donate Links

Disclosure: My site is reader-supported.
I may get commissions when you click through my articles' affiliate links.

  • What is Accessible Yoga?

    Accessible yoga is a practice rooted in inclusion, adaptability, and empowerment. It redefines what yoga looks like by prioritizing each individual's unique physical, mental, and emotional experience. Rather than focusing...

    What is Accessible Yoga?

    Accessible yoga is a practice rooted in inclusion, adaptability, and empowerment. It redefines what yoga looks like by prioritizing each individual's unique physical, mental, and emotional experience. Rather than focusing...

  • What is Soma Yoga?

    Soma yoga is a gentle, therapeutic style of yoga that blends somatic movement with traditional yoga practices. The word “soma” means “living body” in Greek, but in the context of...

    What is Soma Yoga?

    Soma yoga is a gentle, therapeutic style of yoga that blends somatic movement with traditional yoga practices. The word “soma” means “living body” in Greek, but in the context of...

  • What is Trauma-Informed Yoga?

    Trauma-informed yoga is a therapeutic approach to yoga designed with a deep sensitivity to the emotional, psychological, and physical needs of individuals who have experienced trauma. This style of yoga...

    What is Trauma-Informed Yoga?

    Trauma-informed yoga is a therapeutic approach to yoga designed with a deep sensitivity to the emotional, psychological, and physical needs of individuals who have experienced trauma. This style of yoga...

1 of 3

Explore Yoga Knowledge Hub