Clinical Yoga
Teacher Training
in Exeter

Clinical yoga refers to the application of yoga principles and techniques within a healthcare or clinical setting to promote physical and mental well-being. This approach involves the integration of yoga practices with medical and therapeutic expertise to address specific health conditions, manage symptoms, and support overall health.

Key features of clinical yoga include:

1. Individualised Approach: Clinical yoga is often tailored to meet the unique needs and health concerns of individuals. Practitioners consider factors such as medical history, current health status, and any existing physical or mental health conditions.
2. Incorporation of Yogic Practices: Clinical yoga incorporates various yogic practices, including physical postures (asanas), breath control (pranayama), meditation, and mindfulness techniques. These practices are selected and modified based on the individual’s health goals and condition.
3. Therapeutic Focus: The primary goal of clinical yoga is therapeutic in nature. It aims to support healing, enhance functional abilities, and improve overall quality of life. This distinguishes clinical yoga from general yoga classes, which may have a broader focus on fitness and well-being.
4. Conditions Addressed: Clinical yoga may be utilised as a complementary therapy for a variety of health conditions, including musculoskeletal issues, chronic pain, mental health disorders, cardiovascular conditions, and respiratory disorders. It can be part of a comprehensive treatment plan.
5. Mind-Body Connection: Clinical yoga recognises the interconnectedness of the mind and body. Practices aim to foster a balance between physical and mental well-being, addressing both the physiological and psychological aspects of health.
6. Education and Empowerment: Individuals engaging in clinical yoga are often provided with education on the benefits of specific practices and techniques. The goal is to empower individuals to actively participate in their own well-being and self-care.

Clinical yoga offers a range of benefits that contribute to both physical and mental well-being. These benefits make it a valuable therapeutic approach, especially when integrated into healthcare settings. Here are some key advantages of clinical yoga:

• Musculoskeletal Health: Clinical yoga promotes flexibility, strength, and balance, contributing to improved musculoskeletal health. It can be beneficial for individuals dealing with conditions such as back pain, arthritis, and injuries by addressing muscle imbalances and enhancing overall movement patterns.
• Pain Management: Yoga practices, when incorporated into a clinical setting, can be effective in managing chronic pain. Mindful movement, gentle stretches, and relaxation techniques can help alleviate pain and improve the individual’s pain coping mechanisms.
• Stress Reduction: Clinical yoga emphasises mindfulness and relaxation techniques, which can reduce stress and promote a sense of calm. These practices may include controlled breathing (pranayama) and meditation, contributing to overall mental well-being.
• Improved Posture: Specific yoga poses and awareness exercises in clinical yoga can help individuals improve their posture. This is particularly beneficial for those with sedentary lifestyles or conditions contributing to poor posture.
• Enhanced Breathing: Breathing exercises (pranayama) incorporated into clinical yoga can enhance respiratory function. Improved breathing patterns can positively impact lung capacity, reduce anxiety, and contribute to overall cardiovascular health.
• Increased Body Awareness: Clinical yoga encourages individuals to develop a heightened awareness of their bodies. This increased awareness can help in identifying and addressing movement patterns, postural habits, and areas of tension.
• Mind-Body Connection: By integrating physical postures with mindful awareness, clinical yoga fosters a strong mind-body connection. This integration is essential for overall well-being and can contribute to improved mental health.
• Complementary to Rehabilitation: Clinical yoga can complement traditional rehabilitation approaches, especially in physiotherapy settings. It provides an additional tool for physiotherapists to address movement impairments, enhance functional capacity, and support the rehabilitation process.
• Improved Sleep: The relaxation techniques incorporated in clinical yoga can contribute to improved sleep quality. Individuals experiencing sleep disturbances or insomnia may benefit from the calming effects of yoga practices.
• Enhanced Quality of Life: Overall, the holistic approach of clinical yoga contributes to an enhanced quality of life. It addresses various aspects of health, including physical fitness, mental well-being, and emotional resilience.

The clinical significance of yoga lies in its multifaceted impact on physical, mental, and emotional well-being, making it a valuable therapeutic tool across various healthcare settings. From musculoskeletal benefits to stress reduction, here are some key aspects of the clinical significance of yoga:

• Musculoskeletal Health: Yoga promotes flexibility, strength, and balance, addressing musculoskeletal issues such as joint stiffness, muscle tightness, and poor posture. This is clinically significant for individuals managing conditions like arthritis, back pain, and injuries, contributing to improved functional movement.
• Pain Management: Yoga has demonstrated efficacy in managing chronic pain conditions. Its focus on gentle stretching, mindful movement, and relaxation techniques can alleviate pain and improve pain tolerance. This has clinical implications for individuals dealing with conditions like fibromyalgia or chronic low back pain.
• Mental Health Benefits: The clinical significance of yoga extends to mental health, with research showing its positive impact on conditions such as anxiety, depression, and stress. Yoga’s emphasis on breath control, meditation, and mindfulness provides tools for mental health practitioners to integrate into treatment plans.
• Cardiovascular Health: Certain forms of yoga, such as gentle flow or restorative yoga, have been associated with cardiovascular benefits. The relaxation response induced by yoga practices may contribute to reduced blood pressure and improved heart health, offering clinical implications for cardiovascular disease prevention.
• Respiratory Function: Yoga incorporates breath control (pranayama), which has clinical significance for respiratory conditions. Practices that enhance lung capacity and promote efficient breathing patterns can be beneficial for individuals with asthma, chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD), or other respiratory issues.
• Stress Reduction: Yoga’s ability to induce the relaxation response has significant implications for stress reduction. In clinical settings, incorporating yoga as part of stress management programs can support individuals dealing with stress-related conditions, contributing to improved overall well-being.
• Sleep Improvement: Clinical studies suggest that yoga can positively impact sleep quality. For individuals with insomnia or sleep disturbances, the incorporation of yoga practices into treatment plans may offer a non-pharmacological approach to improve sleep.
• Immune System Support: Some research indicates that yoga practices may have positive effects on immune function. While more studies are needed, this suggests potential clinical implications for individuals seeking to support their immune system through integrative approaches.
• Chronic Disease Management: The adaptability of yoga makes it suitable for individuals managing chronic conditions. Its holistic approach addresses not only the physical symptoms but also the psychological and emotional aspects of living with a chronic disease.
• Quality of Life Enhancement: Ultimately, the clinical significance of yoga lies in its potential to enhance the overall quality of life for individuals across a spectrum of health conditions. Integrating yoga into clinical care recognises the interconnectedness of physical and mental well-being, offering a more holistic approach to healthcare.

In clinical practice, healthcare professionals may incorporate yoga into treatment plans, rehabilitation programs, or wellness initiatives to harness its diverse clinical benefits. As evidence continues to accumulate, yoga’s role in integrative and patient-centred care is likely to expand across various medical disciplines.

Clinical research and studies have consistently demonstrated the efficacy of yoga across a spectrum of health domains. In musculoskeletal health, yoga has been clinically proven to alleviate pain and improve functional outcomes for conditions like chronic low back pain, osteoarthritis, and rheumatoid arthritis. The evidence extends to mental health, where yoga has shown positive effects in reducing symptoms of anxiety, depression, and stress. The integration of mindfulness and meditation practices within yoga has become a valuable component in clinical interventions for various mental health disorders.

Beyond mental health, the cardiovascular benefits of yoga are supported by clinical studies, indicating reductions in blood pressure, heart rate, and overall cardiovascular risk. The emphasis on breath control in yoga, known as pranayama, has clinical implications for respiratory conditions. Research has explored the positive impact of yoga on lung function, making it a potential adjunctive therapy for individuals with asthma or chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD). Additionally, yoga has been clinically proven to be effective in managing chronic pain conditions, contributing to reductions in pain intensity and improvements in pain coping mechanisms.

In the realm of sleep, studies have investigated the association between yoga and improved sleep quality. Practices that promote relaxation and stress reduction within yoga have shown potential benefits for sleep duration and overall sleep quality. While more research is needed, some studies have explored the potential immune-boosting effects of yoga, suggesting positive influences on immune parameters. Moreover, the integration of yoga into cancer care has been supported by clinical evidence, demonstrating improvements in quality of life, reductions in anxiety and depression, and enhanced overall well-being for individuals undergoing cancer treatment.

As an integral part of chronic disease management, yoga has been studied for its role in conditions such as diabetes, hypertension, and cardiovascular disease. Evidence supports its contribution to promoting overall health and well-being in individuals with chronic conditions. The cumulative clinical significance of yoga lies in its versatility as a therapeutic tool, addressing both physical and mental aspects of health, and its potential to enhance overall quality of life across diverse populations.

This specialist training is designed to empower you with the clinical insight and practical tools needed to confidently integrate yoga into rehabilitation, recovery, and holistic care.

By the end of this course, you will be able to:

• Understand the foundations of therapeutic yoga, including its historical context, and apply this knowledge to support physical and emotional recovery in clinical and wellness settings.
• Identify and apply yoga poses and sequences specifically designed for rehabilitation, targeting common conditions such as back pain, joint stiffness, postural imbalances, and injury recovery.
• Assess clients effectively, set tailored rehabilitation goals, and design personalised yoga sequences that integrate breathwork, props, and movement strategies to support functional outcomes.
• Confidently use props and modifications to ensure safe, accessible, and effective yoga practice for clients with varying physical needs.
• Integrate breathwork (pranayama), mindfulness, and meditation techniques to support stress management, emotional resilience, and nervous system regulation.
• Incorporate targeted stretches and myofascial release techniques to improve range of motion, alleviate pain, and restore physical function.
• Deliver a client-centred, holistic approach that addresses both the physical and psychological aspects of recovery and long-term well-being.
• Demonstrate the ability to plan and deliver a therapeutic yoga session, including submission of a practical and well-structured yoga sequence plan.
• Adapt yoga techniques for specific populations, including those recovering from injuries, surgery, or experiencing chronic pain or stress-related conditions.
• Apply your learning with confidence, ensuring integration of clinical yoga practices within your existing professional scope—whether you’re a healthcare provider, wellness practitioner, or yoga teacher.

Assessment is designed to be supportive and to help you track your progress as you build confidence in your therapeutic yoga practice.

Here’s what to expect:

• Anatomy & Biomechanics Quiz: The journey begins with a simple quiz on anatomy and biomechanics, providing a baseline of your knowledge to guide your learning.
• Online Mini Quizzes: Throughout the online section, there will be mini quizzes to help keep you on track and ensure you’re reinforcing your new skills and knowledge.
• In-Person Practical Assessment: During the in-person segment, you’ll demonstrate your skills in a practical setting, applying what you’ve learned in a real-world context.
• Written Plan & Case Study Submission: After your in-person training, you’ll submit a written plan and case study, allowing you to reflect and structure how you’ll implement your learning.
• 50 Hours of Yoga Classes: As part of the course, you’ll also need to take part in 50 hours of yoga classes as a student. Whether online or in-person, this helps to deepen your understanding and experience a variety of teaching styles.

The assessments are designed to be helpful, reinforcing your learning and ensuring you feel confident and ready at every stage.

Yes, this course is designed to give you the skills, knowledge, and confidence to integrate yoga into your practice straight away. Whether you’re a healthcare professional, wellness practitioner, or yoga instructor, you’ll learn how to take a client-centred, therapeutic approach to rehabilitation and recovery.

Throughout the training, you’ll explore key aspects of using yoga for rehabilitation, including assessing clients, setting goals, creating personalised sequences, and incorporating specialised techniques like breathwork and props. You’ll also develop a deeper understanding of yoga’s role in physical, mental, and emotional well-being.

By the end of the course, you’ll be equipped to safely and effectively incorporate clinical yoga into your work, ensuring it aligns with your professional scope and the needs of your clients.

Throughout the course, your dedicated tutor, Shara, and our friendly support team are available to provide any assistance you need. Whether you need help with the online content, practical exercises, or anything in between, we’re here to make sure you feel confident and supported.

As your workshop day approaches, you’ll receive detailed instructions to help you prepare for the in-person experience. We’ll ensure you’re fully prepared and comfortable, so you can focus on making the most of the hands-on learning.

Yes, absolutely. We know that choosing the right course is an important decision, and we’re here to help you feel confident every step of the way. If you’d like to speak with a tutor before enrolling, you’re more than welcome to. You can book a one-to-one call at a time that suits you, or simply drop us a message with your questions. Whether you’re wondering about course content, career options, or what to expect on the day, our tutors will be happy to chat it through with you.

This course is designed for healthcare professionals, wellness practitioners, and existing yoga teachers who want to expand their expertise by incorporating therapeutic yoga techniques into their practice. Whether you’re a physiotherapist, osteopath, massage therapist, or yoga instructor, you’ll learn how to seamlessly integrate therapeutic yoga into your work, helping clients recover, rehabilitate, and thrive.

To join this course, all you need is a passion for helping others and a foundation in healthcare, wellness, or movement. No prior yoga experience? We recommend a minimum of 100 hours of self-practice to build your foundation.

Still not sure? No problem, schedule a call or send us your questions.

Our clinical yoga teacher training course is your gateway to mastering the art of yoga for rehabilitation. It’s a unique blend of online and hands-on learning designed to fit your lifestyle and elevate your clinical skills. Here’s how we break it down:

• Online Learning (25 hours): Your journey begins as soon as you book. Through our online portal, you’ll explore the rich history of yoga, key foundational poses, and how to create sequences with biomechanical precision and clear intention. You’ll learn how to incorporate props, breathwork, stretches, and myofascial release techniques, with regular quizzes to support your progress. By the end, you’ll submit your own practical and inspiring yoga sequence plan.
• Face-to-Face Training (16 hours): Across two immersive days, you’ll bring theory into practice. Day One begins with a warm-up before exploring key topics such as ankle sprains, lower back pain, and sciatica. You’ll get hands-on with rehab techniques, experience the impact of breathwork, and finish with a restorative yoga nidra session. Day Two turns to knees, hips, and thoracic alignment. You’ll take part in practical workshops on upper extremity challenges and discover how to adapt yoga for athletic clients. The day ends with meditation and an open Q&A to consolidate everything you’ve learned.
• Self-Practice & Post-Course Work (varies depending on prior experience): Whether you’re a healthcare professional or new to yoga, this course is designed to meet you where you are. If you’re not already a yoga teacher or practitioner, we recommend a minimum of 100 hours of self-practice to build your foundation. For those already experienced in yoga, you are expected to complete 50 hours of yoga classes (as a student, not as a teacher). This can either be face-to-face or online, but you’re encouraged to receive a variety of teaching experience. Post-course, you’ll also need to spend about 5–10 hours applying what you’ve learnt in the face-to-face training to refine your skills and enhance your confidence.

Ready to take the leap? This course is designed to make yoga a cornerstone of your rehabilitation practice.

We provide you with the option of paying in full or splitting the cost into monthly instalments. Please note, the full course fee must be paid before we can issue you your certificate.

We deliver clinical yoga training across the UK and continue to expand internationally. However, if there are no upcoming courses in and around Exeter, please send us a message to register your interest and we’ll get back to you as soon as a course becomes available in your area.

In addition, we also offer the option of arranging a bespoke course for you and your colleagues or classmates, inclusive of a generous group booking discount. If you have a space that could accommodate up to 10-15 people, please get in touch and we can get a course booked in at your place of work or study!