Yoga and Chronic Pain: 5 Ways My Practice Has Evolved

A full-time yoga teacher and studio owner is navigating the complexities of chronic pain while continuing to guide others toward wellness. For nearly two years, she has experienced constant pain in the pelvis, glutes and lower abdomen, often characterized by sharp, stabbing flares and a deep, aching pressure in the back and hips.

The physical toll includes numbness and tingling radiating into the feet, as well as abdominal pressure that feels like “insides are on fire.” These symptoms often disrupt sleep and basic daily activities, such as sitting at a table or engaging in conversation.

The Intersection of Endometriosis and Chronic Pain

The teacher was diagnosed with endometriosis, a chronic inflammatory disease with widespread bodily effects, at age 25. While the exact connection between this diagnosis and her current symptoms remains unclear, the experience has fundamentally altered her relationship with her body.

She notes that while yoga did not erase the pain, it changed how she relates to it. This shift has subsequently transformed her professional approach to teaching and the way she presents herself in the studio.

Redefining the Yoga Practice

Chronic pain has forced a departure from the traditional focus on physical performance. The teacher now prioritizes how a movement feels over how it looks, moving away from the need to be seen as the most flexible or capable person in the room.

This transition has led to a teaching style that emphasizes cueing over demonstration. By resting when necessary and avoiding the pressure to perform, she encourages students to focus on their own bodily experiences.

Leading Through Advocacy and Adaptation

The necessity for accommodations has become a central part of her professional life. During a 50-hour myofascial release training with Tiffany Cruikshank in Boston—part of a 300-hour teacher training—she had to advocate for a different seating setup to manage nerve pain in her glutes, legs, and feet.

This experience informs her current teaching philosophy. She actively encourages students to use props and choose pose variations that support their specific needs, reminding them that they know their own bodies best.

The Unpredictability of Chronic Illness

Living with chronic pain removes the ability to maintain a rigid routine. The teacher’s daily practice is dictated by fluctuating energy levels and the effects of medications and supplements.

During pain flares, she utilizes restorative shapes and myofascial release. On quieter days, she may engage in a dynamic vinyasa practice, embodying the concept of ahimsa, or non-violence, through a daily decision to show up with self-love.

A New Definition of Strength

The traditional image of a yoga teacher as pain-free and highly flexible has been replaced by a definition of strength based on listening and adapting. Strength is now viewed as the ability to respect limits and know when to refrain from action.

This honesty extends to her business operations. She no longer hides her struggles and may cancel classes when she lacks the physical or emotional capacity to be present, treating herself with the same compassion she requests from her students.

Future Implications for Wellness Instruction

This shift toward transparency could lead to a more inclusive environment within yoga studios, where the emphasis moves from physical achievement to sustainable health. More instructors may begin to openly share their limitations to foster a more supportive student-teacher dynamic.

the integration of advocacy and adaptive movements may become a standard part of teacher training, potentially reducing the stigma associated with needing accommodations in health and wellness settings.

Frequently Asked Questions

What are the primary symptoms associated with this experience of chronic pelvic pain?

Symptoms include constant pain in the glutes, pelvis, and lower abdomen, sharp stabbing flares, deep aching pressure in the back and hips, and numbness or tingling radiating into the feet.

How has chronic pain changed the way the teacher instructs her students?

She now cues more than she demonstrates, encourages the use of props and pose variations, and emphasizes that students should decide what they need to feel supported.

What is the teacher’s current understanding of “strength” in the context of yoga?

Strength is redefined as showing up, listening, and adapting, rather than physical capability, endurance, or intensity. It is described as knowing when not to do something.

How do you think the wellness industry would change if more instructors were open about their own chronic health struggles?