In this episode, Mitch explores the potential benefits of yoga for our patients. We delve into the symbiotic relationship between the breathing techniques employed in yoga and the transformation of our mindset regarding movement and positions that may exacerbate discomfort. Mitch also shares insights into the latest research on the connection between yoga and pain.

Mitch Hunter is a clinical educator, senior physiotherapist and lecturer at Griffith University. He additionally is a meditation teacher working with persistent pain, chronic health, and palliative care patents. Mitch can be found at: https://www.hunterhealing.com and @_mitchhunter. 

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Our host is Michael Rizk (@thatphysioguy)


References to papers discussed: 

1. Bower, J. E., & Irwin, M. R. (2016). Mind–body therapies and control of inflammatory biology: A descriptive review. Brain, behavior, and immunity, 51, 1-11 https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/pii/S0889159115001658

2. Buric, I., Farias, M., Jong, J., Mee, C., & Brazil, I. A. (2017). What is the molecular signature of mind–body interventions? A systematic review of gene expression changes induced by meditation and related practices. Frontiers in Immunology, 8, 670 https://www.frontiersin.org/articles/10.3389/fimmu.2017.00670/full?fbclid=IwAR3UziUstPADj5tnIc46ctLJ4K_Uo8Kj6eMDxiWUyatIG3gHihoN7kypBH

3. Cherkin, D. C., & Herman, P. M. (2018). Cognitive and mind-body therapies for chronic low back pain and neck pain: effectiveness and value. JAMA internal medicine, 178(4), 556-557 https://jamanetwork.com/journals/jamainternalmedicine/article-abstract/2673371

4. Villemure, C., Čeko, M., Cotton, V. A., & Bushnell, M. C. (2014). Insular cortex mediates increased pain tolerance in yoga practitioners. Cerebral cortex, 24(10), 2732-2740 https://academic.oup.com/cercor/article/24/10/2732/307000?login=true

5. Rivest-Gadbois, E., & Boudrias, M. H. (2019). What are the known effects of yoga on the brain in relation to motor performances, body awareness and pain? A narrative review. Complementary therapies in Medicine, 44, 129-142 https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/pii/S0965229918308288

6. Sterling, M., Smeets, R., Keijzers, G., Warren, J., & Kenardy, J. (2019). Physiotherapist-delivered stress inoculation training integrated with exercise versus physiotherapy exercise alone for acute whiplash-associated disorder (StressModex): a randomised controlled trial of a combined psychological/physical intervention. British Journal of Sports Medicine, 53(19), 1240-1247 https://bjsm.bmj.com/content/53/19/1240.abstract