Self-Compassion in Pain Care:

A yoga-inspired class series for people with pain

Instructor: Shelly Prosko, PT, C-IAYT, PCAYT

Where: Online (replay available for 2 weeks)

Dates: January 10, 17, 24, & 31

Times: 10 am - 11:15 am Pacific Standard Time

Fee: $20 (USD)

Class Description:

Movement, mindfulness and breathing practices have all been shown to improve many aspects of our physiology and psycho-emotional health, including pain. But sometimes these practices can increase pain.

How we move, breathe, what we think and feel about ourselves, and our habitual self-talk or self-criticism can be useful to consider and explore in pain management.

Research suggests that self-compassion can be helpful for people with a wide range of health issues, including chronic pain. Many compassion and pain researchers and people in pain agree that self-compassion is a radical act of self-care and consider it to be the foundation of successful pain care.

Join Shelly Prosko, physical therapist and yoga therapist with over 25 years of experience in pain care, for this engaging 4-part online class series on cultivating self-compassion.

Shelly will combine self-compassion principles and practices with yoga-inspired practices to guide you to move, breathe, reflect, explore, learn and experience the dynamic process of self-compassion.

Who is this class for?

If you live with persistent or chronic pain and want to try some self-care strategies; perhaps you’re looking for something new, different or in addition to what you are already doing

If this concept of self-compassion interests you, and you would like to learn more about it and its health benefits – and if you are curious to learn how to practice it, bring it into your life, and experience the benefits it can offer
If you are interested in trying mindfulness, movement, and breathing practices or yoga-type classes, but have been hesitant for many reasons like feeling self-conscious, or fearful of injury or worried at not having options or permission to go at your own level or pace
If you need a boost and want to restart a regular practice that you have trouble committing to because of unpredictable pain or fatigue
If you are a movement, fitness, yoga or health professional who wants to learn and experience self-compassion principles and practices combined with yoga-inspired practices that are in line with pain science and compassion science that can then be shared with your clients or patients in your clinic or studio setting.

Who is this class not for?

This class series is not intended to assess, treat or act as medical advice. It is not meant for those looking for treatment for chronic pain or any other physical or psychological health concerns or condition.

Please receive medical clearance prior to participating and always follow the advice and guidance of your own healthcare professional.

Program Outline

4 classes in total

Wednesday mornings starting at 10am PST (Jan 10 – 31, 2024)

Each class will be 1.25 hours in length

The first class on Jan 10 will be primarily an introductory presentation by Shelly with education about the components and benefits of self-compassion, including within the context of chronic pain and research surrounding self-compassion and chronic pain. The foundational principles and practices included in the class series will be highlighted.

Shelly will also guide you through some introductory practices in this first session.

10-15 minutes of Q&A and discussion at the end will be included (this portion will NOT be recorded and will only be for those attending live).

The remaining 3 classes will consist of guided practices (no lecture presentation). Practices will include: mindful awareness, gentle movements, breathing practices, self-compassion, self-reflective practices.

10-15 minutes of Q&A and discussion at the end will be included (this portion will NOT be recorded and will only be available for those attending live).

The 4 classes will be online via zoom. They will be recorded and available for replay for two weeks.
Shelly will be spotlighted on the screen. Participants’ mics will be muted during the class; but you will have the option to have your video on or off.
For live attendees: you will have the option to ask questions at the end of each class, via mic or written.

What you will need for the class:

Create a comfortable, supportive space where you can feel as relaxed as you can (lying down, sitting or a position of your choice).

Also have some space available where you will be able to stand and move a bit (create a space that is wide enough to accommodate your arms and legs spreading or reaching out).

Have available nearby:

chair
2 blankets or large bath/beach towels
2 pillows (or a ‘yoga bolster’ or any other props you may have and know you like to use)

You may discover you need a few more pillows or blankets or towels for additional support for some of the practices – but with guidance, exploring, trial, patience and practice, you will figure out what suits you best!

Whether you are a person who lives with pain or a professional who works with people in pain, this class series is an opportunity to explore, learn and experience gentle practices guided by Shelly whose teaching is informed by her professional and clinical experience, life experience, compassion research, and Pain Care AwareTM principles integrating yoga, pain science, and people’s own lived experience of pain that has been generously shared.

Shelly Prosko, PT, C-IAYT, PCAYT

Shelly is a Canadian physiotherapist, yoga therapist, educator, Pain Care AwareTM Lead Trainer, author and pioneer of PhysioYoga who has been integrating yoga into physiotherapy within a variety of specialty areas including helping people with chronic pain since 1998.

She teaches at numerous yoga therapy and physical therapy schools, presents at yoga and medical conferences globally, contributes to academic research, provides resources for the general population, and offers continuing education courses and mentorship for yoga and healthcare professionals. She considers herself a lifelong student and emphasizes the immense value gained from clinical experience and learning from the patients she serves, the professionals she teaches, and the colleagues with which she collaborates.

Shelly is the co-editor/author of the book Yoga and Science in Pain Care: Treating the Person in Pain and has authored several book chapters in yoga therapy and integrative rehabilitation textbooks including her chapter Compassion in Pain Care.

She maintains a clinical practice in Alberta, Canada and believes compassion, including self-compassion, is the foundation of healthcare. Shelly also believes meaningful connections, spending time in nature and sharing joy are powerful contributors to healing and well-being. Please visit www.physioyoga.ca to learn more.