Yoga therapy DYADS: A novel approach to chronic pain management in underserved populations

Yoga therapy is an emerging integrative health approach that applies the practices and teachings of yoga for individuals with clinical concerns. It is generally offered as individual sessions between a yoga therapist and client or in a small group setting with several clients who share a clinical concern. Here we describe a third model for consideration-the yoga therapy dyad. A dyad includes two clients working simultaneously with a single yoga therapist and differs from both individual and small group sessions in the potential benefits and challenges. The yoga therapy dyad model that is detailed here was implemented as part of a feasibility trial along with group acupuncture therapy for chronic pain in an underserved population. Underserved popula-tions are at risk for pain and reduced access to care. This pilot may inform future research, policy, education, and clinical practice.(C) 2020 Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.

Automated summary

Yoga therapy is a comprehensive health approach that utilizes the practices and teachings of yoga to help individuals with clinical concerns. This article introduces a new model of yoga therapy called the yoga therapy dyad, which involves two clients working simultaneously with a single yoga therapist. This model differs from individual and small group sessions and offers unique benefits and challenges. The study also includes group acupuncture therapy for chronic pain in an underserved population, and the findings may inform future research, policy, education, and clinical practice.