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development, as these are challenging but sensible forms of exercise. While many studios have had to temporarily close due to COVID-19, most are offering online classes. Although instructors are unable to monitor students’ alignment as they would in a studio, online classes do give people the opportunity to stay active while at home. Yoga may be particularly conducive to this for multiple reasons: it does not necessarily require a lot of equipment; it can be modified for different abilities and even be practiced sitting in a chair; and, perhaps most importantly in these stressful times, it offers the well-studied benefits of meditation. (It is worth noting that there are many types of yoga: some have been geared more towards those looking for a workout and others have continued to incorporate meditation.)
One risk accompanying the proliferation of these classes is that some people who take them will get injured, either because they lack the musculoskeletal awareness or strength to properly execute the movements and/or because the teacher has not corrected poor form. If possible, refer patients to classes where the instructor has completed a higher number of training hours or is/was a professional dancer. Occasionally, I have even treated patients who have been injured from a manipulation that a teacher performed on them. The demand for bodywork is growing, and many yoga and Pilates teacher training programs now include a hands-on component. Yet few disciplines offer the clinical scope and years of training that DOs receive, all the more reason to encourage osteopathic medical students to maintain their OMM skills. These concerns aside, overall these methods have much to offer our patients. If I believe one of my chronic low back pain patients would benefit from strengthening, I often refer them to Pilates private lessons rather than physical therapy because the way Pilates teaches lumbopelvic stabilization, and how to use one’s body as a whole, is so intelligent.
Finally, in spite of the above emphasis on finding a well-trained teacher, remember that no one needs to be taught to dance. Why buy a pandemic Peloton when you can put on your favorite playlist, draw the curtains, and dance to your heart’s content! If cost is an issue for your patients, then this idea of dance as medicine is an excellent option. Just as we diagnose joints for adequate movement in all physiologic planes, we need to ensure our patients are moving enough to reap the benefits of exercise on cardiovascular health, sleep, and mental and emotional health. With all of the stressors associated with COVID-19, now more than ever we must care for the whole patient: body, mind and spirit.
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For more information on Dance Medicine, visit https://www.iadms.org.
To find a well-trained Pilates teacher, look for one who has completed the highest number of training-hours. There are many different schools of Pilates teacher training, and thus no single directory.
For yoga classes more likely to include meditation, recommend hatha yoga; for classes that emphasize proper alignment, recommend Iyengar yoga; for beginners or patients with limited abilities, recommend restorative yoga.
Hal Cohen, DO and Tara McDonough teaching improv at UNE COM
CHEWING THE FAT: SARAH SHEPHERD & ACTING:
Listen to the BACON podcast episode where alumna, Sarah Shepherd, DO '08, talks about how improv is a lot like being an ED physician.