Introduction and Purpose: Physical Therapy has become increasingly reactive, moving from the more proactive beginnings of our profession. The public, and many PTs, frequently view Physical Therapists as only rehabilitation and injury providers rather than wellness and injury prevention experts. At the completion of 4-8 weeks of physical therapy rehabilitation, what options do our patients have for continued strength, mobility, and/or balance exercise programs and progression? In the US, treatment of the elderly accounts for 66% of the health care budget in the US. 2 of every 3 older Americans have multiple chronic conditions or co-morbidities and over 65% of Medicare beneficiaries with “arthritis” have 5 or more co-morbidities. Drawing upon our knowledge of movement, physiology and health, and utilizing evidence based techniques and science; Physical Therapists are uniquely situated to provide education to our clients and the community at large to improve health and wellness literacy and to provide interventions that go beyond post-injury, surgery, or illness rehab. Description: This review describes an integrated Physical Therapy program that includes physical therapy treatment as well as client participation in a wellness program of Medical Therapeutic Yoga and Physical Therapist led yoga and movement classes. The client is a 67 yr old female seeking PT for low back pain of many years duration. Co-morbidities include knee and foot “arthritis”, and Type II DM. This review documents initial findings and the course of integrated treatment and progress. Photos of the client, descriptions of intervention, and functional mobility improvement are documented. Conclusion: Research indicates that the benefits of exercise (strength, mobility, balance, and bone density gains) may be lost if exercise stops. The US aging population is seeking integrated treatment that incorporates wellness and prevention as well as rehab. 2 of 3 elderly Americans having multiple co-morbidities that may exceed the knowledge of community based/non-medical exercise instructors and the elderly client may perceive community based programs as being less safe or accessible to them. Physical Therapists are in positions to provide exercise and education programs that not only prevent loss of benefits gained in treatment, but allow the client to make continued progress in a supervised setting. (Since this was presented, the client has continued with MTY and classes with me. She has gained 0.5" in height, measured consistently at MD office. In addition to this presentation, I have it in poster presentation as was presented at the EXPAAC II conference in Indianapolis. that version, as well as the Q& A that I did, was published in the Pro Yoga Therapy Site).

This case was started at the beginning of my studies with PYTI. Initially, the client was concerned about and leery of stepping into yoga as she did not feel that she was capable of performing yoga. She has discovered new found abilities and confidence, and continues to provide me with feedback, questions about poses, how to modify, and to let me know how she continues to make progress. Working with someone over this period of time, being able to incorporate new knowledge and tools into her program, and to receive feedback from someone with multiple orthopedic and some medical concerns has provided me with great learning opportunities, and an opportunity to see how MTY actively benefits her. This has been a great "laboratory" experience, and has added to my ability to modify for each person, to see and add onto growth, and has shown me how much fun people can have when performing yoga.