JAPA Yoga movements can be a helpful compliment to recovery from joint injuries.
Goal for implementation with client (Specific, measurable, attainable, relevant, time-bound relating to the client):
Client will learn and practice JAPA movements for shoulder and ankle and practice daily for one month.
Client will assess pain-free joint range of motion (by noting approximate degrees) at the beginning of the month and at the end of the month.
Client will describe observed difference in joint freedom from having practiced JAPA movements.
Relevant Client(s) Details
Female, age 24
Sprained left ankle playing volleyball.
Injured left shoulder (Inferior GL ligament) in a rafting accident.
Client has consulted a physician for both injuries and is working with a physical therapist.
Client is otherwise in good health and would like to return ASAP to activities she enjoys - rock climbing, running, skiing, yoga, volleyball.
Session Outline
Practice/Activity (5 words or less)
Amount of time (in minutes)
JAPA sequence for ankle and shoulder
20 minutes daily
Report Information
How did you envision working with the client(s) to incorporate the selected teaching? (Define the plan)
I planned to meet client for 3 forty-five minute sessions over a one month period.
Session 1: Do JAPA movements for shoulder and ankle with client. Provide written instructions with diagrams so client can practice daily on her own. Evaluate pain-free range of motion.
Session 2: Read together JAPA (TM): Joint Activation Practice for All based on Pawanmuktasana Classical Series as taught by Swami Satyananda Saraswati (handout by Dr. John and Satya Lynn) and "Historical Perspective by Swami Satyananda Sarawsati
Session 3: Evaluate pain-free range of motion and listen to client's experience of helpfulness of JAPA movement
What branch(es) of IY did you use? How does each support your goal/relate to the key teaching?
Hatha - Asana and pranayama relate to the JAPA movements which are to be performed with ease and awareness of breath
Raja - Asana, pranayama, pratyahara, dharana - The JAPA movements done slowly and with full concentration will provide a "free flow of energy in the body and mind". (from Swami Satyananda Saraswati)
Short notes on time with client:
Client was attentive and highly motivated to recover from injuries.
She learned JAPA movements quickly and seemed to enjoy doing them.
Follow up suggestions for your client (whether with you or on their own):
Continue to do JAPA movements and learn them for all joints - maybe 5 or 10 mins. a day in morning or at bedtime.
For the purpose of this TCA we focused on left shoulder and left ankle, but JAPA is for the whole body.
JAPA could be a helpful practice to compliment the more rigorous activities the client enjoys.
Reflection
Did you apply your intended plan once you met with the client(s)? Was the goal achieved? Explain.
The plan went mostly as intended, but we met over 2 months, rather than one.
The goal was achieved as the client is back to rock climbing and playing volleyball, etc., with some stiffness in shoulder joint at full flexion, but no pain.
She is back to running and pain free range of motion in ankle joint.
In the client's words: "I could feel the JAPA exercises warming my muscles as I did them, and over time it relieved pain and stress on the joints. JAPA helped me better understand how to heal my injuries and do preventive care."
Did you have to adapt anything in your plan? What lessons did you learn?
We had to adapt to a lighter schedule of performing JAPA on her own. It would have been better to start with 5 mins. a day (20 mins a day was a big ask!).
We decided to alternate days - one day shoulder, next day ankle.
I think we could have used another session to focus on breath, rather than the movements.
I learned that listening to the client is very important - what is she able to commit to? what is her experience?
It's easier to teach the what (movements) than the how (with breath, easy, calm, focused).
If you are faced with the same situation again in the future, would you approach it in the same way? Why or why not? What went well? What you might change and why? Summarize.
I would have had a few more sessions to focus more on breath.
What went well - Client enjoyed the JAPA series and felt the gentle, wholistic approach complimented her physical therapy exercises.
What I would change and why - I think I focused too much on the movements and not enough on the other aspects of JAPA - breath and focus and ease. I think client would have gotten even more from the practice if I'd been able to emphasize those more subtle aspects.
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