Case Studies of Yoga Therapy with Focused Downward Release and Scapular Stabilization in Shoulder Injuries

Shoulder injuries can be complex and time-consuming to rehabilitate. Yoga therapy is well suited to deal with both the complexity and the subtlety of shoulder rehabilitation. This article discusses three case studies with different shoulder injuries and describes the role that Yoga therapy played in the rehabilitation of these injuries. The case studies share in common a focus on downward stabilization of the scapulae, release of the upper shoulder muscles, and awareness of upward energy flow in the spine in a variety of positions and movements. This rehabilitation focus (identified as FDRSS) is described in detail, including how it can be expressed in specific breathing practices and Yoga poses.