Ms. Mary Whalen

Mary has been a practicing physical therapist since 1974, assessing and treating patients with both orthopedic and neurological diagnoses.  She received her BS in biology in 1971 from Chestnut Hill College, Philadelphia, PA, her BS in physical therapy in 1974 from Temple University, Philadelphia, PA and her MEd in Health with a Gerontology concentration from West Chester University, West Chester, PA.

Mary has worked primarily with adults, but has experience treating young athletes as well as children with hypertonicity or hypotonicity. Pursuing her interest in yoga as a healing modality, Mary received her 200-hour yoga teacher certification at Kripalu Center for Yoga and Health, Stockbridge, MA. in 2010, and incorporates the principles of yoga breathing and movement into her treatment programs.

YOGA AS A MODALITY TO IMPROVE BALANCE

Yoga asanas can be used to enhance balance, strength, stability as well as flexibility. There are many asanas that provide challenges to balance while also training stability and strength in the body. Yoga breathing and focus on the moment can bring the patient increased awareness of the body in space which also can improve proprioceptive feedback and enhance balance. Yoga asanas can be modified so than anyone can perform them safely and receive their benefit. When asanas are linked together into a flow, the practice can become like a dance which makes the practice fun and enjoyable.