Back pain is all too common a problem, one that most of us will suffer from at one time or another to varying degrees. I’ve found that my own experiences of back pain have become far less frequent and far more manageable since I started practicing Dru Yoga.
This is why, I am thrilled to have recently qualified to teach the specialist Dru Back Care Programme after studying for a post graduate diploma.
The approach of this course is perfectly in-line with current medical opinion and based on extensive research; that the back needs to move, and the sooner people with back pain get moving and get back to their normal activities, the sooner they’ll feel better.
This means that yoga - especially gently, flowing therapeutic yoga like Dru - performed with awareness is an ideal treatment. And this too is backed up by research which evidences how particularly effective yoga is as an approach for managing and reducing back pain.
The Dru Back Care course is based on the work of senior Dru Yoga teacher and senior researcher at Bangor University, Dr Ned Harffiel. So far, he has done three research studies on Dru Yoga in the workplace. His latest research found that Dru Yoga reduced back pain, improved wellbeing and saved the NHS sickness absence days due to back pain. The clinical trial with 150 NHS staff showed:
• 90% reported less back pain
• 97% recommended the programme
• 90% had more self-confidence even while experiencing stress
• and 80% improved in their energy levels.
Ned also presented his research earlier this year at the House of Lords for the Parliamentary Group on Yoga in Society. Recently the Dru team introduced Dru Yoga’s Back Care Programme into Kellogg’s, the North Wales Police and the Institute of Chartered Accountants. It has also been used at the Merseyside Police, Great Ormond Street Hospital and Conwy County Council.
The six-week porgramme mixes weekly lessons with special home practice sheets and videos. Of the 100’s of employees that have now done the programme, approximately 9 out of every 10 have reported reduced back pain and improved wellbeing.
I’m very much looking forward to bringing this fantastic course to Sheffield and helping people with back pain get themselves moving again with ease and comfort.