
Yoga Therapy Case Studies
Contact MeRead some of my case studies and find inspiring stories of individuals who have experienced profound transformations through personalised yoga therapy. Each case study highlights the unique challenges faced by my clients and the tailored approaches I use to help them achieve their wellness goals. These real-life examples demonstrate the effectiveness of yoga therapy in improving physical health, mental well-being, and overall quality of life. Explore my clients’ journeys and discover how yoga therapy can make a difference in your life too.
Restoring Mobility and Freedom from Arthritis Pain
A 70-year-old female with arthritis in her left shoulder couldn’t lift her left arm more than halfway due to pain. Diagnosed with arthritis, her x-rays showed general wear and tear in her shoulder joint. Her right arm was also starting to stiffen and become painful. While her diet was generally good, she lacked essential oils and protein, having been a vegetarian all her life.
We worked together for five months to increase the movement of the joint, stimulating the production of synovial fluid in her shoulder joints. This reduced stiffness, improved joint agility, and strengthened the muscles, ligaments, and tendons around the joint. Increased blood circulation to the joint helped nourish it. She was given a short daily practice plan and some breathing exercises to reduce inflammation around the joint. As her movement improved, we built upon the practices and added breathwork. She also received dietary advice to reduce inflammation and incorporate healthy proteins and essential fats.
She diligently practiced every day, and after five months, she had full range of motion in her left arm and could stretch it all the way up without pain. Her right arm was no longer painful either. She was delighted with the results.
BM“My shoulder was very painful and I had problems lifting my arm, but now I can easily do that without any pain. Uzma was very clear with her instructions, and the daily practice was easy to follow. I enjoyed doing it. I found yoga therapy very helpful, enjoyable, and it improved my shoulders and overall body posture. I also made dietary changes following Uzma’s advice.“
Finding Balance and Peace Through Yoga
A 63-year-old male was diagnosed with depression, experencing low energy levels, poor sleep onset and poor sleep quality. He worked long hours, felt overwhelmed and paranoid, which affected his mood. This might have been partly due to the strong medications he was on for previous cancer treatment and other unrelated issues. He wasn’t eating regular meals but wanted to improve his diet. He showed definite signs of depression, felt overwhelmed, paranoid, easily irritable, lacked energy and motivation, and generally felt low.
We started with a daily 20-minute practice of āsanas and breathwork to alleviate his distress, calm his mind, and mitigate some of the adverse effects of the strong medications. Over time, we incorporated additional yoga tools. We gradually established a routine, organized his time better, and improved his eating habits. We also added a short prānayāma practice before bed to help with his sleep.
We worked together for five months, and this was his feedback:
AM“I have benefitted a great deal. The daily practice has improved my breathing, aided my posture, helped me with stress and anxiety, and improved my sleep. Uzma takes a deep interest in her client’s overall wellbeing and adjusts the practices to accommodate clients’ needs. Uzma connects very well with clients and is very knowledgeable. The fact that my wife has embraced yoga with Uzma, having never thought about doing it before, is testimony to that.”
Managing Lymphedema Post-Cancer Treatment
A 51-year-old female, who recently recovered from breast cancer and, three years later, skin cancer, had all the lymph nodes removed from her right armpit. This resulted in lymphedema in her right arm, shoulder, and hand, preventing her from lifting her arm beyond shoulder height. As she worked extensively with a laptop, it was uncomfortable for her to wear the compression sleeve and glove, so she stopped using them. Her short-term goal was to reduce the swelling (oedema) and gain more flexibility in her upper body. The challenge was finding time for her daily practice as she worked full-time and had a family.
We started with gentle 5-minute practices four times a day to fit into her schedule and aid lymphatic drainage, along with some breathwork to improve blood circulation and assist with lymphatic drainage. Gradually, we incorporated additional yoga therapy tools and breathwork to aid detoxification. We also discussed the importance of drinking water throughout the day, and as yoga therapy works so well with modern medicine, we incorporated all the NHS recommendations. She highlighted how Yoga Therapy is different from other modalities she encountered during her recovery. For example, the cancer clinic advised her to do gentle massages and wear the compression sleeve and glove, which she was not doing. The physiotherapist gave her exercises, but she wasn’t consistent with them. Our consultations allowed more time for me to explain the importance of these practices and how they would help. When she understood this, she started wearing the sleeve and glove and diligently followed the practice, seeing good results.
SE“I became more aware that controlled breathing is a technique I can use when I need to relax. I use it often when I’m anxious or trying to sleep. Uzma has also taught me to think of myself more using meditation. The āsanas have helped to open up my chest, which had been a problem due to surgery. I also now make a conscious effort to drink more water because of the recommendations.The practices were easy and manageable during my day. I have enjoyed the physical aspect but more so the mental benefits. Uzma is a very kind and caring instructor.”
Enhancing Flexibility and Calm Through Yoga Practice
A 79-year-old female had been practicing yoga for over 10 years but found that her flexibility had not improved, and her breathing was very erratic. She wanted to improve her flexibility, her breathing, and calm her mind. We worked together for five months, and I provided her with a short daily practice, which she did diligently. I adjusted her practice several times during the five months to suit her needs, and as her flexibility improved, she could go a bit deeper. She enjoyed the breathwork, and as we built upon it, she generally felt much calmer. She was dealing with a situation in her life where she would have reacted badly in the past, but she felt she was able to handle it calmly and was more accepting of it.
“I have definitely benefited, as the sessions have helped me to concentrate and learn to make time for myself. Uzma was very thorough, but not intrusive, with her questions when she was establishing what I hoped to gain from the yoga therapy sessions. I became more disciplined about doing the daily practice, and this, of course, was beneficial.
APUzma is a patient listener. I was able to share very easily the emotional trauma I have been coping with. Her calm and philosophical approach to life through the teachings of yoga has given me the strength to deal with my situation. I have learned to be accepting and not to be attached to a certain outcome.I would certainly recommend yoga therapy; I like the idea of addressing the mind as well as the body, and through both, with the right guidance, one can learn to heal oneself and cope with whatever comes along. Thanks to her, my deep breathing has improved, and I find that I slip into it when I am sitting quietly at home.”