Little did two single girls know that when they met in 1994 working in the Carolina Medical Center Physical Therapy Department, their lives would be ever changed. They had no idea that one day they would be roommates and consequently have a friendship that has lasted for almost 20 years. As time passed their friendship continued to grow, as well as their families (each having 3 children) and so did their love for physical therapy and yoga.
These two friends, Lynne Ray, PT, PYT-C, CSCS and Christine Roper, MSPT, PYT-C started something amazing in Charlotte that you all need to know about. It started when Christine began her Professional Yoga Therapy training in 2010 under Ginger Garner, PT. She enjoyed the training and knew Lynne would too. She was right! Lynne loved it and began her training shortly thereafter.
So it is with excitement that I introduce you Smarty Readers to
PYTA (Pit-uh)-Professional Yoga Therapy Approach. I know you will love reading about it and sign up for their next 5-week session ASAP! You just might see me there!
PYTA-Professional Yoga Therapy Approach
Tell me about PYTA-Professional Yoga Therapy Approach?
Our mission at PYTA is to provide non-dogmatic, holistic, evidence based yoga to a varied population, ranging from the young to aged, healthy to injured, in a small intimate setting where education is abundant, hands on treatment and adjustments are frequent. Many people who practice yoga do so to maintain their health and well being, improve physical fitness, relieve stress, and enhance quality of life. They also may be addressing specific health conditions, such as back pain, neck pain, arthritis, and anxiety. PYTA, Professional Yoga Therapy Approach, offers a medical model and a yoga class in a semi-private setting.
Who teaches the yoga classes?
PYTA is unique in that all classes are taught by a physical therapist(s), trained in PYT, Professional Yoga Therapy. The instructor, who has over 1000 hours of post graduate PYT training, evaluates and treats while the participant is in postures, offering hands on adjustments, myofascial release and an abundance of education in each class.
How is PYTA different from other yoga classes?
PYTA is a blend of all lineages of yoga. We are non-dogmatic. We are different because PYTA is student-centered; the teaching is designed around the specific challenges and strengths that each client brings to the mat. We center our classes around our clients needs. With over 40 years of combined physical therapy experience our instructors have an extensive understanding of biomechanics and how each posture affects each client. As physical therapists, we not only evaluate but also offer treatment during our yoga classes. We are able to do this because our classes are small, limited to 8 clients per class. Our participants range in age from 12-66 years old. We offer a variety of class types and times, 5 days a week. Our classes are taught in 5-week sessions. Each class builds on the last, so that participants advance as they progress through the session.
What should new clients expect from PYTA classes?
Classes are 60 minutes. Clients should expect to enjoy, relax, learn and improve or begin their unique experience at PYTA. External props (blocks, blankets, straps) will be used, assists and myofascial releases will be given, and instruction will be abundant. We will introduce students to the fundamentals of PYT yoga such as TATD breath and arm spirals. PYT methods administered by a physical therapist will help you increase flexibility, strength, and stamina. It may even encourage weight loss
Do you have different classes? & How are they different?
Yes, We have several different classes. PYTA classes range from PYT SPORT, where Ironmen, Ex-Pro Cyclist and marathoners deepen their practice. If you run, bike, hike, swim, play tennis, want to heal or prevent injuries, or just want to deepen your yoga practice, this class will help you get more out of your favorite sport. We also have PYT 1 where beginners or someone with an acute injury can safely start their journey with breath, correct spinal alignment and movement. You will not only be instructed and supported in each pose but also, evaluated in each pose. PYT is student-centered. The teaching is designed around the specific challenges and strengths that the client brings to the mat. We also have a PYT 2 where clients build on what they learned in PYT 1. Lastly, we have a PYT Kids class that targets all children age’s 6-13 introducing students to the fundamentals of yoga. We utilize the PYT method, a holistic approach using yoga as medicine. Music, movement, and the small class atmosphere will teach your child relaxation methods, proper movement and posture alignment in a fun environment. We also offer private classes.
Do you have many mom & dad clients?
Our practice sees all populations from young to old, single, married, wanting to get married, wanting to be single! That’s what makes PYTA different we meet people where they are in life and than treat within the Pentagon of Wellness. That means the intellectual, social, physical, energetic and spiritual aspect of the individual will be treated and addressed.
I feel as if I am always discussing with friends how our back’s hurt from holding our children so often? Can you help us?
The answer is YES! Christine and I have a combined 40 years of physical therapy experience treating all types of injuries and ergonomic issues. We not only have the anatomy/physiology, musculoskeletal knowledge background from our physical therapy training, we also have over 1000 hours of professional yoga therapy training to compliment which helps people implement our ergonomic suggestions into their daily lives.
Do you also treat some of your clients separately for physical therapy?
Yes, we do that is the beauty of having PYTA and Roper Physical Therapy under one roof. Roper Physical Therapy is a locally owned and just celebrated 10 years in independent private practice. Our physical therapist owned facility means that we value the care that is being administered to our patients. In North Carolina, you have the right to go to a physical therapist without a prescription from your physician. Our mission is to increase function, restore motion and increase your strength and energy through Myofascial Release, Exercise and Yoga. Our therapists are experienced in variety of orthopedic, neurological and pediatric diagnoses. Our hands on, one-on-one treatment plans and appointments are customized to meet each patient’s needs.
What has been the most rewarding part of PYTA for you both?
The relationships that we form with our clients are unique and bring both of us great joy. When our clients send testimonials as below, it makes our day.
Here are two testimonials for you to enjoy:
Thank you Christine for an awesome yoga experience the last 5 weeks. I feel stronger and somehow cleaner inside. It’s a relief to do yoga in the company of a highly skilled therapist that is so closely watching and guiding her students- I feel safe about experimenting and haven’t gotten hurt! Thanks Christine, your practice is a gem of Charlotte. ~Susan, patient
Lynne is a unique Yoga instructor who provides sound and safe Yoga instruction with a friendly and professional demeanor. Her Yoga instruction is complimented by her Physical Therapy training, which was a huge confidence boost for me, as I had never done Yoga before. As an injured, part-time weekend athlete, Lynne’s Sports Yoga has significantly improved my mobility and reduced my pain. I would strongly recommend her class to anyone looking to prevent injuries, improve flexibility and strengthen their entire body. ~Steve, athlete
Tell us a little more about your PYT Kids classes?
We have taken our Professional Yoga training into schools and implemented with middle school teams to assist in their warm ups tailored to fit their sport specific needs. You will see DownDog and Pigeon all over the softball, soccer fields and basketball courts compliments of PYTA. We are also trying to implement classes at our studio however that has been a challenge trying to find times that suit busy families. We have found coaches out there still holding stretches for 10 seconds. This information is antiquated and Christine and I are on a mission to spread the word one pose at a time.
Where are you located?
PYTA is located in a beautiful (brand new) serene space in Southend, at 301 Tremont Ave. Suite B, adjacent to Roper Physical Therapy.
How much does it cost?
Some of our classes meet once a week and some twice a week. So the pricing is different for each. You are also signing up for a 5-week session at a time.
1 class/ week for 5 weeks = $110
2 classes/ week for 5 weeks = $220
(not much more than other yoga classes!)
How do I sign up??
Our next week session is coming up soon and begins on Nov. 4, 2013!! Register soon because space is filing up!!!
TO REGISTER: Contact our office at (980) 298-6706, or visit our beautiful space at 301 E. Tremont Avenue Suite B Charlotte NC 28203
Please see our website for further information:
www.professionalyogatherapyapproach.com
and like us on Facebook at PYTA.
3 comments
Christine and Lynne are the best!
Nice job y’all! I love to see your passion and wisdom in action. bigHUGS and congrats to you both.
This is so much more than a yoga class. For me, this has been a well spent investment in my health, helping me to reach new levels in what my body can do. I thought I’d been practicing yoga for years, through these classes, I’m learning to do yoga correctly! There’s a huge difference. My progress has been one step at a time, but the benefits have been consistent, and lasting.
Yoga with Lynne is a important to me as taking my daily vitamin.
PYTA and Roper PT are shining jewels in the Charlotte community.
Marsey