Thanks to PA Research Foundation donors, patients in the PA Hospital's Spinal Injuries Unit are benefitting from a new weekly adaptive yoga program that's reshaping how they reconnect with their bodies after injury.
The program was led by Senior Psychologist T'Keya Chambers, who provides psychological support to patients and families adjusting to spinal cord injury. The unit runs on a goal-based, multidisciplinary model, with consultants, nurses, physiotherapists, occupational therapists, social workers, psychologists and the recreation team all working alongside patients on personalised rehabilitation goals. But afternoons had become quiet, and patients were asking for more.
"Patients began to request 'more therapy' in the afternoons and an opportunity for more social connection," T'Keya said. "We tried to fill this gap with a new group intervention that is different from our usual schedule."
A former Leisure Therapist on the ward had seen yoga work well with a different patient cohort and connected T'Keya with a Certified Yoga Instructor experienced in adaptive modalities. The instructor sits outside the usual treating team, which is part of what makes the sessions feel different. The room is set up with soft lights, music and aromatherapy.
For someone with significant upper body impairment, the smallest movement matters.
"In yoga sessions, the instructor will encourage someone to simply move their finger; if that is all they can do, that is enough. Such small movements, or even just focusing on the breath, remind patients that even if small, there are still some bodily functions they have control over, which can be quite empowering," T'Keya said.
One patient had spent years refusing their partner's invitations to try yoga. Boredom and curiosity finally won out, and they opted in to the ward's program hoping to get more out of recovery.
"They noticed a significant reduction in neuropathic pain, something medication, physiotherapy and psychology alone could not relieve. The breathwork helped them reconnect with their body and 'shut off' the pain," T'Keya said.
Another patient who'd practiced yoga prior to their injury, now uses breathwork daily, during blood tests and before taking pain medication, and told T'Keya they "never thought I could do it again in a wheelchair" after their injury. Feedback from participants is that yoga lets them focus on what they can do, rather than what they can't, at their own pace.
The social ripple from the program is noticeable with many patients becoming regular attendees, even partners have started attending. Patients leave the session and head to the Dining Hall together for dinner.
T'Keya is keen for donors to know that the response from the ward itself has been just as strong as the patient feedback.
"The program has been well received by our management team and staff. Yes, our patients enjoy it, but it's also worthwhile noting how much the staff have provided feedback about how beneficial they think it is for patients and families," T'Keya said.
"The room is lovely and inviting, with patients often stating, 'we can smell the diffuser from the hallway and that immediately relaxes us'.
"Ultimately, the program is such an asset to our service, as it not only offers patients additional therapy hours, something often requested, but enhances social and emotional wellbeing, and teaches unique skills that patients otherwise would not have received as part of regular rehabilitation therapies."
With strong backing from both staff and patients, T'Keya is hopeful the program can become a permanent part of the rehabilitation schedule.
"There are some operational challenges to be worked out, however given staff are on board and the patient feedback and experience is astounding, I am hopeful we can find a way to continue to offer this in our service. Funding from the PA Foundation to continue the sessions with the Certified Yoga Instructor is greatly appreciated," T'Keya said.
You can support innovative programs at the Spinal Injuries Unit and across the PA Hospital by making the Foundation your place to give here.
