Yoga therapy is a comprehensive approach to wellness that draws upon the ancient wisdom of yoga and integrates it with modern scientific understanding. It aims to address not only physical ailments but also mental and emotional concerns, and the promotion of sustainable lifestyle habits.

See IAYT’s Contemporary Definitions of Yoga Therapy.

All yoga therapists have trained as yoga teachers, but not all yoga teachers are yoga therapists. Yoga teachers and yoga therapists are both professionals who share a passion for yoga and its potential to enhance health and well-being. However, their roles and responsibilities differ significantly.

Yoga teachers are primarily focused on leading yoga classes and providing general yoga instruction. They typically complete a 200-hour yoga teacher training program, which covers the practice of yoga postures (asanas), breathing techniques (pranayama), and meditation. Yoga teachers guide students through yoga sequences, emphasizing technique, and safety. They may also offer modifications and variations to accommodate different levels of experience and physical limitations.

Yoga therapists, on the other hand, have a more specialized role in utilizing yoga as a therapeutic tool to address specific health conditions and promote overall well-being. They complete a rigorous training program, consisting of at least 1,000 additional hours of coursework over the span of two years, which delves into anatomy, physiology, pathophysiology, psychology, and therapeutic applications of yoga. Yoga therapists are trained to assess individuals, develop personalized yoga therapy plans, and provide individualized instruction to address a wide range of physical, mental, and emotional health concerns.

No. Yoga therapy is generally not covered by commercial insurance in the US. This may change in the future, as yoga therapy is an emerging field of integrative care.

Some HSA/FSA/HRA accounts might reimburse you for yoga therapy services with an LMN (letter of medical necessity) for a specific condition from an MD, but you would have to check on those details with your individual provider.

As a Physical Therapist Assistant (PTA), I cannot perform physical therapy evaluations. An evaluation must be carried out by a Physical Therapist (PT, MPT, or DPT) prior to being treated by a PTA. Any physical therapy treatments carried out by a PTA must be supervised by a PT. In my state, this can be physical supervision or availability via direct telecommunication. All of this is to say; if you’re seeking physical therapy, I have to see you in the clinic and you must first be evaluated by my PT teammate.