October is National Breast Cancer Awareness Month

Yoga has been practiced for more than 5,000 years ago in India and means “union” in Sanskrit, the classical language of India. It is an integrated system of education for the mind, body, and spirit, and essentially a way of life.

There is supporting evidence for the benefits of practicing yoga for individuals with post-surgical breast surgery. Students are taught a combination of mindful breathing, gentle stretching and yoga postures (Asanas) with a focus on their torso, neck, shoulders, arms and legs.

These benefits include:

• Mindful breathing increases oxygen to the cells, improves sleep and disposition, calms the mind, reduces stress, and promotes healing
• Gentle stretching Improves flexibility; promote ease of movement and restores healthy posture
• Yoga postures (Asanas) will gently stretch and strengthen the muscles and improve circulation, while augmenting the breakdown of scar tissue
• Increases endurance and energizes the body, mind, and spirit
• Stimulates the immune system

One free yoga class is being offered at Physical Therapy at Briarcliff on Tuesday during the month of October from 2 to 3 p.m., for individuals that have undergone surgery for breast cancer. Registration is required as the class is limited to attending participants. A prescription is required from your physician that you are allowed to participate in this Gentle Yoga class. Choose the date you wish to attend: Oct. 4, 11, 18, or 25.

For further information contact: Meryle Richman, PT, DPT, MS at (914) 762-2222 X 2157. Physical Therapy at Briarcliff 584 North State Road, Briarcliff Manor, New York 10510 (Inside Club Fit).

Feel free to blog me with questions or feedback as to what you have found to be helpful in your recovery from breast cancer and breast surgery.          

Meryle Richman, PT, DPT, MS has been practicing over 30 years as a physical therapist, with a doctorate degree in Physical Therapy and as a registered yoga teacher with 200 hours from YogaWorks in Irvington. She has devoted her years of study in complementary and alternative therapies. This includes: Yoga, Cranial Sacral Therapy, Myofascial Release Therapy, Mindfulness Meditation and Health Promotion.

Meryle teaches Gentle Yoga classes at Physical Therapy at Briarcliff & Jefferson Valley, PC., 584 North State Road, Briarcliff Manor, New York 10510 to individuals recovering from chronic pain, fibromyalgia and osteoporosis. This therapeutic approach is a combination of integrated therapies and – based on the sciences of anatomy, kinesiology, osteopathic medicine, therapeutic touch, and evidenced-based physical therapy, she has successfully combined these therapies with the ancient practices of the art and science of Yoga.

We also offer a free 15-minute consultation and can be reached at Physical Therapy at Briarcliff & Jefferson Valley, PC at (914) 762-2222  (Briarcliff location) or 245- 8807 (Jefferson Valley location). Check out our website at www.ptrehab.com.

Here’s to a healthier lifestyle!

Meryle Richman, PT, DPT, MS

Physical Therapy at Briarcliff & Jefferson Valley, PC

References:

1. Yoga for Persistent Fatigue in Breast cancer Survivors:
results of a Pilot. Retrieved September 25,, 2011 from Sutdydownloads.hindawi.com/journals/ecam/2011/623168.pdf

2. Yoga Improves Quality of Life in Women with Breast Cancer Undergoing Radiation  Therapy. Retrieved September 25, 2011 from http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2011/05/110518181257.htm

3. Yoga (alternative medicine). Retrieved September 25, 2011
from http://www.sciencedaily.com/articles/y/yoga_%28alternative_medicine%29.htm

4. Relieving Pain of Post-Surgical Breast Cancer with
Myofascial/Cranialsacral Tecnniques. Oncology Times. March 25, 2005.page 50.
Retrieved from: http://www.ptrehab.com/pdf/oncologyarticle.pdf