At Nature Cure Hospital in Balkampet, Hyderabad, patients arrive each morning and evening with diverse struggles — aching knees, stiff backs, stress, obesity, post-surgery pain, thyroid issues, migraines, digestive troubles, and respiratory complaints. Instead of being guided through regular physiotherapy or a standard yoga routine, each person is prescribed yoga asanas designed specifically around their body, pain, and pace.
Customized Approach for Individual Needs
Therapeutic yoga is steadily gaining ground in Hyderabad as more people seek non-invasive ways to manage chronic and lifestyle-related ailments. Unlike conventional yoga classes, where a group follows the same sequence of postures, therapeutic yoga is customized. Instructors design specific asanas, breathing practices, relaxation techniques, and meditation methods based on an individual's health condition.
At Nature Cure Hospital, both inpatients and outpatients attend daily sessions indoors and in the lawns. For those who cannot sit on the floor, bend easily, or perform regular postures, instructors modify the practice using ropes, cushions, and other props. Patients with spinal injuries, back pain, or post-surgery limitations are guided carefully through supported movements.
Focus on Root Cause
Girish Kumar More, yoga trainer at the centre, says the approach focuses on the root cause of discomfort rather than merely managing symptoms. “People with lower back pain, obesity, arthritis, or stress require different practices. We modify postures according to their condition, especially for those recovering from surgeries or unable to sit on the ground. More people are opting for such therapies to avoid surgeries and improve their quality of life,” he said.
Janardhan Durga Prasad, director of Bodhi School of Yoga, explains that therapeutic yoga cannot be treated as a one-size-fits-all solution. “At the mental level, therapeutic yoga helps shift the body from the sympathetic nervous system — the ‘fight or flight’ mode associated with stress — to the parasympathetic nervous system, or the ‘rest and digest’ mode. Today, most people come to yoga only after being advised by doctors to manage a health condition, while very few take it up proactively to maintain fitness and overall well-being,” he explains.
Growing Demand Among Women and IT Professionals
Doctors and trainers say women are increasingly turning to therapeutic yoga to manage hormonal imbalance, PCOS-related conditions, and post-partum stress. IT professionals are also joining sessions to cope with stress, anxiety, and mental fatigue caused by long working hours and sedentary routines.
Dr. A Malathi Syamala, chief medical officer at Nature Cure Hospital, points out that modern lifestyle patterns have made such interventions more relevant. “Modern lifestyles and rising stress levels are contributing to these health concerns, and therapeutic yoga offers a holistic, non-invasive approach to improving both physical and mental well-being,” she said.
Patient Testimonials Highlight Benefits
For many patients, the appeal lies in slow but noticeable improvement. Professor Tarni Mandal, 69, underwent bilateral knee replacement and bypass surgery five months ago. When he began therapy, even basic movements were difficult. That’s when he turned to therapeutic yoga. “I could lie down but found it difficult to stand up or sit on the floor. After attending classes for a week, my knee pain has reduced,” he says.
For 66-year-old Srinivas Reddy, the benefits have been different. He says regular sessions helped improve his speech difficulties. “I have been practising therapeutic yoga regularly for the past few months and have noticed a significant improvement in my speech. The specialised mouth and facial exercises have helped strengthen the muscles involved in speaking, making my speech clearer and more confident. I also feel more relaxed and positive overall,” he says.
Kiranjeet Kaur, 52, who has been dealing with back and knee problems, says five months of therapy have helped her move with greater ease. “Earlier I walked very slowly. Now my body feels freer and I can move around much better,” she points out.
Not Just for Major Health Issues
But not everyone attending sessions is battling a major health condition. Shriya Chouhan, 23, a civil services aspirant, joined for relaxation and focus. “Yoga helps me stay calm and focused during my preparation,” she says.
For Prabhavati Gandanur, 40, therapeutic yoga has become a source of cautious hope. She has been suffering from painful corns on the soles of her feet and has undergone four surgeries, including a burn procedure, with limited relief. “Therapeutic yoga is my last hope. I have been attending sessions for the past four to five months and have noticed some improvement. Walking has become easier, though I still experience pain when I wake up in the morning and at other times of the day,” she says.
