Yoga as therapy

For Traci Smith, yoga grew from a simple hobby into a tool.

Smith, a Chelsea resident, has been a group fitness instructor for nearly 25 years. Recently, she joined Shelby Baptist Medical Center at Greystone YMCA as a physical therapist, where that tool is finding a use. There, her patients not only work through normal physical therapy routines but also practice yoga to help mend and strengthen their bodies. 

The concept came about during her second year of physical therapy school at UAB in a course that focused on alternative treatment approaches for musculoskeletal problems. Yoga was one of the course topics, and Smith felt an immediate connection.

Wanting to learn more, she enrolled in a UAB special studies class that allowed her to practice yoga in a group setting. Her love for yoga only grew, and in 1999 she began to train with the American Aerobic Association/International Sports Medicine Association. 

But as she was learning to help patients with yoga, she found herself in need of therapy.

“Yoga was my primary means of rehabilitation after a knee surgery a couple of years ago,” Smith said. “I’ve found that teaching my patients yoga postures and breathing has not only produced great results in their rehabilitation, but also in their body awareness.”

She believes yoga is a powerful tool to use for physical therapy because it teaches body awareness. Body awareness can keep an individual from repeatedly returning to therapy for the same physical mishaps due to noncompliance or not being mindful of the body’s alignment with daily, recreational and physical activities. 

Smith received her training at UAB and has since encouraged patients to join group yoga classes after being discharged from physical therapy sessions. She educates her patients on proper yoga techniques so that each patient maximizes benefits, both physically and mentally, from the class.

“My yoga training has been a great complement as I take patients from the physical therapy setting to the group fitness setting,” she said. “It’s important to educate patients about different poses and alignment so they can achieve maximum benefits from their participation in yoga classes after discharge.”

Impressed by the growth of yoga around the 280 area, Smith also wants to continue to promote yoga and its benefits to Birmingham residents.

“Along the 280 corridor alone we have so many wonderful facilities that offer yoga classes,” Smith said. “From Cahaba Heights to Chelsea, there are an array of studios and gyms that constantly have yoga classes on their schedules. It has been a great development to witness over my last seven years in the community.” 

One of Smith’s goals as a Birmingham resident is to bring special yoga fitness projects designed for athletes to local schools. Smith hopes to strengthen the younger generation’s knowledge of optimal body alignment in conjunction with physical activity and general body awareness. 

“I’m hoping that with even more exposure to yoga and the blending of yoga with rehabilitation and pre-habilitation we can become an even stronger, healthier community and a one-stop shop for our community’s health and wellness needs.”

– Submitted by Shelby Baptist Medical Center