Evidence for Yoga in Pain Care and Week One of the Beyond Pain Course

Systematic reviews show small positive effects of yoga on pain, disability, mental health and function in fibromyalgia, chronic low back and neck pain and osteoarthritis, comparable to other exercise or physiotherapy, with medium effects on mood in some studies. The evidence is low to moderate quality with small samples and short follow-up, so Niamh urges modest, balanced claims. Physiotherapists should not present themselves as yoga teachers without at least 200 hours of teacher training, but can use elements of yoga in their practice. Her Beyond Pain Yoga course blends pain education, yoga philosophy and mindfulness with physical practice, supported by a manual and online resources. Practice is invitation-based and trauma-sensitive, with small behavioral experiments such as letting go of a thought or breathing into the belly. Week one introduces pain as multidimensional, the Eight Limbs and mindfulness, a three-minute breathing space, breath regulation, simple asanas and a guided meditation in savasana. She shares Neil Pearson's guidance for moving to the edge of pain or tension and checking whether you will be okay later.