Entry TypeAssessment
Client/GroupMJL 007
Entry CategoryCase Study
Select your mentorSteffany Moonaz
Intake
Assessment
Proposed number of sessions3
Location of sessionsstudio
Planned time per session60
Presenting ProblemLeft shoulder surgery; 2 tendons not attached; Left knee pain; high blood pressure & cholesterol; thyroid issues; stress
Physical

Sessions will focus on improving physical comfort, mobility, and balance through chair-based stretching sequences, stability-focused postures, restorative poses, and relaxation tailored to the client’s abilities and limitations.

Client/Group goalsThe client will improve overall stretching, flexibility, and balance by participating in three 60-minute chair yoga therapy sessions, incorporating targeted stretching sequences, balance-focused postures, and breath-coordinated movement. Progress will be measured by the client’s self-reported improvement using the pain numeric rating scale by the final session.
Energetic

Breath awareness and breath-coordinated movement will be integrated to support energy regulation, enhance focus, and safely guide stretching and balance practices.

Emotional

Practices will include mindfulness-based cues and guided relaxation to reduce anxiety around movement, increase confidence, and promote a calm, supportive internal state during physical activity.

Spiritual orientation and needs

Each session will conclude with brief guided relaxation or meditation to foster a sense of ease, contentment, and overall well-being, reinforcing the therapeutic benefits of movement and breath.

Intellectual / Sense of self

Sessions will encourage self-reflection on bodily sensations, limitations, and progress, helping the client make safe, informed choices and recognize the value of self-care practices.

Yoga philosophy/wisdom research reference(s)

Jnana Yoga

Retirement: Acceptance of limitations and inquiry into identity are core to Jnana Yoga. This path invites practitioners to examine the nature of the Self (Atman) versus the body, mind, and roles we occupy (such as career or social identity).

Through practices like Svadhyaya and contemplative questioning (e.g., "Who am I without my job?"), it guides individuals toward recognizing the impermanent nature of external identities and the enduring nature of the Self beyond roles, achievements, and physical abilities.

Acceptance arises through the wisdom that these limitations and life changes are part of the unfolding of prakriti(nature) and not the true Self.

Raja Yoga
Through Patanjali’s Yoga Sutras, we'll address the management of mental patterns (vrittis) and emotional responses to change. Practices like meditation, pranayama, and ethical observances help individuals cultivate detachment (vairagya) and acceptance, allowing them to witness limitations and transitions without resistance.

Bhakti Yoga
Can help one surrender personal control, accept limitations as part of a greater order, and find meaning in transitions through faith or devotion.

Scientific research reference(s), why chosen, how you plan to incorporate 1-3

According to current evidence, strengthening exercises have demonstrated functional benefits in cases of irreparable rotator cuff tears.
Observational assessment revealed restricted ROM in L shoulder, with notable compensatory patterns incl. elevation of entire L shoulder and lateral flexion of the cervical spine and torso to the right. These compensations suggest altered movement mechanics and insufficient proprioceptive awareness.

The care plan incorporates body awareness training using a mirror to enhance visual feedback, facilitate neuromuscular re-education, and reduce compensatory movement patterns. This approach aligns with evidence supporting the use of visual feedback to improve postural alignment and movement quality in individuals with compromised shoulder function.

Novi M, Kumar A, Paladini P, Porcellini G, Merolla G. Irreparable rotator cuff tears: challenges and solutions. Orthop Res Rev. 2018 Dec 5;10:93-103. doi: 10.2147/ORR.S151259. PMID: 30774464; PMCID: PMC6376460.

Ainsworth R. Physiotherapy rehabilitation in patients with massive, irreparable rotator cuff tears. Musculoskeletal Care. 2006 Sep;4(3):140-51. doi: 10.1002/msc.85. PMID: 17042025.

To address energetic imbalances and postural compensation, breath-coordinated stretches and gentle balance work will be paired with simple pranayama to promote even, steady energy flow. The plan includes introducing brief reflective practices and affirmations to foster emotional resilience and a sense of purpose as the client navigates retirement.

Glasson L, Panter J, Ogilvie D, Patterson R. The physical activity implications of retirement across occupational activity groups. Prev Med. 2023 Aug;173:107570. doi: 10.1016/j.ypmed.2023.107570. Epub 2023 Jun 13. PMID: 37315902; PMCID: PMC7614714.

Approval Notice
Your care plan should be approved by your mentor, with any amendments they suggested, prior to your remaining Yoga Therapy sessions.
Questions for Mentor

We've discussed this client and agreed that since it's three one-hour sessions, I'll focus on body awareness and strengthening, as well as emotional regulation due to retirement.

Care PlanOutline should be a practice adapted to the needs of that client/group, including:
  • Check in, centering, balanced hatha yoga set considering contraindications, relaxation (with imagery as appropriate),
  • balanced pranayama considering contraindications, meditation/centering.
  • Please include at least one suggestion from Karma, Bhakti, Raja, or Jnana Yoga tailored for this client/group.
  • Over time, we want to see something from each branch, selected, adapted and re-framed appropriately. Tools from each module should be used (not on each client/group – but overall)
The outline should show the sequence of practices as you plan to offer them.
Your care plan proposal should be approved by the mentor before session 2 if possible, or 3 if approval is delayed by mentor.
Session
Session Instructions (Not Mentoring)Your session outline should be a practice adapted to the needs of that client, including:
  • Check in, centering, balanced hatha yoga set considering contraindications, relaxation (with imagery as appropriate),
  • Balanced pranayama considering contraindications, meditation/centering.
  • Include at least one suggestion from Karma, Bhakti, Raja, or Jnana Yoga tailored for this client.
Over time, we want to see something from each branch, selected, adapted and re-framed appropriately.
Tools from each module should be used (not on each client – but overall)
Final Client/Group ReportAfter seeing your client/group (for at least 4 sessions including interactive intake)
Please remember practicum is a learning experience. You’ll learn more from sharing what’s accurate than from what might “look good”. Things you did well, not so well, problems and questions are all valid and useful tools to teach you. We can’t serve you to become the best clinician you can be if you don’t share your challenges and mistakes. Success is anything from which you learn. You can continue to add Session entries after submitting this Final Client/Group Report.
Report briefly on each Kosha belowProgress toward wellness or worsening reported by the client/group or that you observed in the following areas
Additional Information
Personal reflection from doing client/group.
Notify Mentor?Notify Mentor of Updates/Completion