Taking care of your back is different than not taking care of your back. This seems obvious. However, Sam knows from experience and observation, that since yoga is healing in so many ways, people taking care of their backs think all forms and styles of yoga are going to be okay. Not the case. People with back injuries, issues and concerns need to do things a little bit differently in order to heal and thrive. It can be done and people taking care of their backs can reap the amazing benefits of yoga by learning modifications and new ways of movement. That is where Sam comes in.
Sam specializes in back care yoga, and has a thing for shoulders and hips as well. All of her classes emphasize physical therapy-based back care and stem from a strong working knowledge of anatomy and movement. She has worked successfully with students with herniated discs, arthritis, sciatica, joint injuries, spondylolisthesis, disc disease, degeneration, connective tissue tears, muscle strains, etc. She has also experienced many of these herself, as she was born with L4/L5 spondylolisthesis and bilteral pars defects and is healing a myriad of injuries (including a herniated disc) caused by, in her words, "inappropriate use of my spine in the days when ego ruled over sensibility." She is grateful sensibility arrived and, as a result, shifted her teaching and practice to back care yoga. Sam only teaches what she can practice safely herself. This means her classes aren't ones you have to set aside while waiting for the day when you can participate. Her classes are for you, now. Sam has been there, she gets it, and she offers an instructional, encouraging, accessible and comforting space to heal. As Sam says, here's to smiling spines!
Students taking care of their backs are always welcome and safe in Sam's classes, just check the schedule to find out when she teaches. If you prefer private sessions, please email Sam.