Yoga Medicine® Therapeutic Specialist

300 Hour Advanced Teacher Training with Tiffany Cruikshank

~~$7043~~ $6338 USD

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300 Hours of Learning

For Yoga Teachers

Advanced Training Certification

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Overview

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Teachers

Become a Yoga Medicine® Therapeutic Specialist!

Therapeutic yoga practices meet the individual where they are and support their unique body, life, and goals. The Yoga Medicine® Therapeutic Specialist: 300 Hour Advanced Teacher Training with lead teacher Tiffany Cruikshank educates and empowers certified yoga teachers to create personalized therapeutic programs that integrate modern science and research with traditional practices and experience. The training consists of seven units. Each unit has a practice component and a mixture of yoga therapeutics, anatomy, kinesiology, physiology, pathology, philosophy, sequencing, assisting/adjusting, restorative postures, pranayama, meditation, language, accessibility, and specific case studies for further learning. You’ll leave each session with a mind full of new information and a wealth of tools and techniques that you can immediately use with your students.

As a Yoga Medicine® Therapeutic Specialist, you’ll understand:

The structure and functions of the hips, shoulders, and spine
Common pathologies and injuries that affect the hips, shoulders, and spine
How to evaluate the hips, shoulders, and spine for optimal function to create individualized approaches towards wellness
The functional application of modern science in yoga practices and how it optimizes joint mechanics
Prevention and durability training techniques to help minimize pain and injuries
How to modify a student’s yoga to meet their individual needs
How to work with students one-on-one and cultivate a therapeutic setting
Ways you can apply what you learn to your own practice and improve your movement patterns in a way that’s relevant to the whole of your life

After you complete this program, you’ll be eligible to register as a Therapeutic Specialist with Yoga Medicine®. This certification is an academic endeavor that requires a deep sense of commitment and dedication and one that offers rewards that will extend well beyond the information you will learn. Teachers who have completed this training over the last ten years usually apply their learnings in one or more of the following ways: teaching one-on-one therapeutic sessions with private clients, working for or with healthcare providers, working in healthcare settings or research settings, and/or leading their own high-quality trainings.

The Yoga Medicine® Therapeutic Specialist: 300 Hour Advanced Teacher Training consists of the following seven courses:

Unit 1 - Anatomy for Yoga
Unit 2 - Functional Anatomy
Unit 3 - Shoulders: Anatomy, Dysfunction, and Application
Unit 4 - Hips: Anatomy, Dysfunction, and Application
Unit 5 - Spine: Anatomy, Dysfunction, and Application
Unit 6 - Myofascial Release Training
Unit 7 - Traditional Chinese Medicine Yoga Training

Special Offer: These seven courses are valued at $7,043 USD if purchased individually. Save 10% (a value of $700 USD) when you purchase them together!

This training is entirely online and specifically designed so you can adapt it to your schedule. In addition to the course materials you’ll receive, Tiffany and the other teacher trainers will offer monthly office hours to answer your questions and support you along the way. We believe continued education is an ongoing process without an endpoint, so there is no time restriction to complete the program.

Unit 1 - Yoga Anatomy Training

Unit 1 begins with a strong foundation in anatomy. In this unit, you will explore an experiential breakdown of the traditional anatomical system as it relates to yoga and you’ll learn how to apply this essential information directly to your practice. This course lays the groundwork for the rest of the training and is the backbone of your 300-hour studies.

Click here to purchase this course individually.

Unit 2 - Functional Anatomy for Yoga, Movement, Performance, and Pain Specialists

Unit 2 focuses on the anatomical layers that connect and support each other and the reality of how this system functions based on new connective tissue research. You’ll learn about the collagen matrix’s unique properties, force transmission, elastic energy storage for efficient movement, the importance of the fluid matrix, the hydraulic system, nervous system innervation, and new ways we can influence these systems through yoga.

Plus, you’ll:

Look at cellular systems that serve to regulate and support resilience and learn how movement practices can serve as messengers to these systems
Explore this layer of connective tissue as a biotensegrity system creating a body-wide intelligence system with important communication roles both within and beyond the nervous system
Look at how the body's muscles and systems work together based on new research and findings
Learn what this means for our work in yoga and movement and how we can help our students better regulate their pain

Click here to purchase this course individually.

Unit 3 - Shoulders: Anatomy, Dysfunction, and Application

The shoulders are full of potential, and understanding their unique anatomical features, while learning how to support them on the mat, is a critical component of therapeutic yoga. In this 55-hour unit, we’ll take a deeper look at the anatomy and biomechanics of the shoulder joint in order to evaluate and optimize its function in asana and daily life. We’ll also learn therapeutic techniques you can apply immediately in your teaching and practice.

Along the way, we’ll examine healthy range of motion while taking into consideration the importance of honoring individual variances. We’ll also learn how to spot and address common shoulder injuries and dysfunctions (while remaining within our scope of practice). You’ll get lectures packed full of information, practices to bring it to life, a detailed manual with illustrations, review sessions, and case studies along the way to help you integrate what you’ve learned. You’ll leave the training with a deeper understanding of the shoulders, and how to help the individuals in front of you.

Through lecture and practice you’ll:

Gain a more comprehensive understanding of the anatomical structure and function of the shoulder joint (including their stabilizers, movers, functions, and mechanics)
Learn to conduct student evaluations that help you tailor your approach to the individual
Learn to spot and address common injuries while staying within your scope of practice (i.e., learn when to refer students out, which practices to avoid, and general ways you can modify poses to address common injuries)
Explore applying therapeutic practices that can support shoulder stability
Learn how to train shoulder durability in order to prevent or help minimize injury

Click here to purchase this course individually.

Unit 4 - Spine: Anatomy, Dysfunction, and Application

Lower back pain is by far the most common reason people seek out a doctor or a movement specialist and most people experience some aches and pains in this region at some point, so optimizing mechanics and function here is an incredibly valuable resource for all.

Unit 4 begins with a deeper look at the anatomy and biomechanics of the spine as a basis for learning to support the individual. We will examine common injuries and dysfunction (including SI joint injuries/dysfunction, scoliosis, and pelvic asymmetries) as well as how to support these issues. You’ll leave with a much more thorough understanding of the spine and gain tools you can immediately apply in your teaching and personal practice.

Through lecture and practice you’ll learn:

The anatomy and function of the spine, SI joint, and pelvis (including structure, muscles, and healthy joint mechanics)
How to support the cervical, thoracic, and lumbar regions of the spine
How to assess a student’s spine, sacroiliac joint, and pelvis in order to provide individualized therapeutic techniques that promote stability and mobility
Common injuries (know when to refer out, understand basic mechanisms, what to avoid, general ideas of how to support your students and modify their practices)
Yogic applications for scoliosis, pelvic asymmetries, and the SI joint

Click here to purchase this course individually.

Unit 5 - Hips: Anatomy, Dysfunction, and Application

Launching in November 2021

The hips are the foundation of the spine and, in many ways, the seat of our experience in our body. Keeping these joints functioning optimally is critical for efficiency of movement, injury prevention, hip and low back pain prevention, sacroiliac (SI) joint health, and so much more.

Unit 5 begins with the anatomy and biomechanics of the hip joint as a basis for learning. We'll examine common injuries and dysfunctions of the hips and explore how to work with and troubleshoot concerns in this area of the body. There will also be case studies to help you integrate the information and a section on prevention and durability to expand your knowledge.

Through lecture and practice you’ll:

Gain a more comprehensive understanding of the anatomical structure and function of the hip joint (including the stabilizers, movers, functions, and mechanics).
Learn to conduct student evaluations that help tailor your approach to the individual.
Learn to spot and address common injuries while staying within your scope of practice (i.e., identify when to refer students out, which practices to avoid, and general ways you can modify poses to address common injuries).
Explore therapeutic yoga applications to support hip stability and mobility
Learn how to build hip durability in order to prevent or minimize injury

Click here to purchase this course individually.

Unit 6 - Myofascial Release Training

Launching in January 2022

Myofascial release can be a valuable therapeutic modality for both mobility, connective tissue health, and pain regulation. This online training is an excellent adjunct to the yoga practices for injuries and/or restrictions we explored previously and a great follow-up to the orthopedic training. In short, it will help you integrate everything you’ve done so far and apply it more effectively. In this training, we’ll discuss the most recent scientific research on fascia and examine the function and dysfunction of fascia in conjunction with therapeutic yoga techniques. Along the way, we’ll identify common areas and trigger points in the body as we learn to apply simple, mindful self-myofascial release techniques that can benefit general students and private clients alike.

Through lecture and practice you’ll learn:

The main components of fascia, fascial health, and fascial adaptations
How fascia can change and common fascial dysfunctions
The importance of fascial hydration and connective tissue communication
Understand the basic research behind myofascial release and what the research tells us so far
General myofascial release techniques, contraindications, and goals
Over 100 specific techniques for every area of the body with modifications for each one
How to incorporate myofascial release techniques into a yoga setting to enhance compliance and outcomes
Sequencing myofascial release in group yoga classes and private sessions
Myofascial chains (also known as the Anatomy Trains by Tom Meyer)
Protocols for concerns in the lower back, hips, knees, ankles, shoulders, elbows, and wrists

Click here to purchase this course individually.

Unit 7 - Traditional Chinese Medicine Yoga Training

Launching in February 2022

This final unit will give you a foundation in Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM) principles as it relates to yoga and your capacity to support the individual in front of you on all levels. You’ll learn the TCM five-element theory, yin/yang theory, the eight principles of differential diagnosis in Chinese Medicine, and the differentiation and pathology of the organs as it applies specifically to yoga. We’ll dissect these core TCM principles and, more specifically, look at their application in therapeutic yoga, using case studies to bring the information to life.

Understanding the framework of Chinese Medicine will allow you to fully individualize the practice to your student’s needs. This unit has four sections, each of which is composed of lectures, homework, and asana practices that will help you integrate the information.

Through lecture and practice you’ll:

Learn about the yin/yang theory, Qi, the five element theory, the eight principles of TCM, and more.
The twelve main meridians (plus two extra meridians!) and their application to a yoga setting
How to use acupressure points within a yoga group or private setting
Best practices for conducting a thorough student intake in order to create individualized plans for their yoga therapy sessions
How to explain TCM concepts in a relatable way that is meaningful to the individual or class you’re working with

Click here to purchase this course individually.

Frequently Asked Questions

Who is this training for?

This training is best suited for yoga teachers, advanced practitioners, and people working with other movement modalities who are interested in refining their understanding of the anatomy and biomechanics of the shoulder joint in order to evaluate its function both on and off the mat.

What are the prerequisites to this training?

A basic understanding of anatomy and experience with yoga will be helpful. For your review, we recommend Tiffany’s 20-Hr Yoga Anatomy course on Yoga International.

Is the training all lecture-based?

No. There are seven sections, and each consists of a lecture, an asana practice, a therapeutic application, and a homework assignment for continued learning and integration.

Are there any live sessions?

No, all content is prerecorded and self-paced!

Will I have lifelong access to the training?

Yes. The entire training will be available in perpetuity.

How long does it take to complete this training? Is there a deadline to finish?

The training is 55 hours, but it may take you longer than that to complete it due to the self-paced nature of this experience. There is no deadline for completion.

Will I receive a Yoga Medicine certificate for this training?

You will receive a Yoga International certificate of completion with Tiffany Cruikshank’s signature. If you wish to also receive a certificate from Yoga Medicine, you will need to complete their online quiz. After completion, you’ll have the option to log your hours and you’ll get your Yoga Medicine certificate.

Does this training count as credit toward Yoga Medicine's 500-Hr/1000-Hr Teacher Training?

Yes. Once you complete the training by successfully passing the online quiz, you will have the option to log your hours on the Yoga Medicine website.

What props will I need?

Suggested props for this training include a mat, a block, a strap, a blanket, two myofascial release balls or tennis balls, a meditation cushion, and any additional props that you desire. You can also replace props with household items if needed by using bath towels instead of blankets, and so on.

Is there a required reading list for this training?

There isn’t a required reading list, though recommended reading may be suggested during the training. It would be helpful to review shoulder anatomy before you begin, including the rotator cuff (infraspinatus, supraspinatus, teres minor, subscapularis), serratus anterior, rhomboids, deltoid, latissimus dorsi, pec major, pec minor, traps, teres major, tricep, bicep, levator scapulae, coracobrachialis, and subclavius. For your review, we recommend Tiffany’s 20-Hr Yoga Anatomy course on Yoga International. Use the discount code YATCM20 to receive 20% off this course including the add-ons (the manual and USB).

Can I get continuing education hours if I'm a registered teacher with Yoga Alliance?

Yes. In order to receive continuing education hours with Yoga Alliance, you will need to complete the full online training before December 31, 2023 to ensure it is in compliance with their Online Teaching Exemption.

Do I need to have a Yoga International membership to take this training?

You must create an account to access the course materials but you do not need a paid membership. Once your free trial begins, you have the option to cancel anytime and still retain your account for course access. Membership includes unlimited access to classes, meditations, articles, member courses, and more.

Teachers
Tiffany Cruikshank
Founder of Yoga Medicine, a community of yoga teachers focused on fusing anatomy and western medicine with the traditional practices of yoga to serve the medical communities with a mission to help people live their best, healthiest lives and truly thrive. Tapping into her medical background in Acupuncture and Sports Medicine, Tiffany’s classes are guided by a strong anatomic focus and her ability to teach a deeper understanding of complex subjects. Recognized more broadly as a health and wellness expert, Tiffany has worked with professional athletes and celebrities, as well as renowned medical professionals from around the world. She has operated her own Chinese Medicine clinics and served as the Acupuncturist and Yoga Teacher at the Nike World Headquarters for over 6 years. Tiffany has graced the cover of over 15 magazines and has been featured as an expert in numerous publications including Prevention, WebMD, Forbes, Huffington Post, Dr Oz, Yoga Journal, Women’s Health, Glamour, Self, Marie Claire, Fitness, Good Housekeeping, Readers Digest, Health, Cosmopolitan, Shape, Redbook, Men’s Health, Sweat Equity, Yoga International, LA Times, Allure, Family Circle, Organic Authority, Triathlete Magazine, AOL Build, Natural Health, Yoga Digest and many others. She holds a pre-med bachelor’s degree in medicinal plant biology and nutrition and a master’s degree in Acupuncture & Oriental Medicine with a specialty in sports medicine & orthopedics. Tiffany is the author of two books, Optimal Health for a Vibrant Life and Meditate your Weight, is an instructor on YogaGlo.com and runs teacher trainings around the world. For more info go to www.YogaMedicine.com.
Amanda Cunningham
Amanda Cunningham has been practicing and teaching yoga for a combined 15 years. After her undergrad and graduate studies she traveled for 7 years throughout over 40 countries, discovering the wonders of life. In 2012, she returned to the States with new eyes.
Jenni Tarma
Jenni is a yoga teacher, CrossFit Athlete, and endurance runner based in Durham, NC. Her classes focus on functionality over fancy poses and are accessible for yogis of all levels. She specializes in working with an active population and is passionate about helping people meet their movement goals, whether that means optimizing their athletic performance, working their way out of injury, or simply feeling better in their bodies and daily lives.
Jenni is a lifelong athlete who has always found a sense of connection and focus through movement. A natural affinity for physical activity has led her to try her hand at everything from horseback riding to judo, rugby, running, riflery, gymnastics, surfing, and various forms of dance. As an adult, she has settled into the meditative routine of endurance running, while her competitive side enjoys the high intensity and variability of CrossFit and Olympic weightlifting. Yoga, on the other hand, provides the thread of continuity that runs through all of her athletic endeavors, allows her to perform mindfully and safely even in high-pressure situations, and balance exertion with adequate recovery.
Her interest in movement has led her to complete a Teaching Yoga To Athletes certification with Sage Rountree, a 500hr program in biomechanics with Jules Mitchell, a Road Runners’ Club of America Endurance Coaching certification, and motivates her to keep chipping away at her 1000hr training with Yoga Medicine®. She teaches mobility at her local CrossFit gym and is a CrossFit Level 1 trainer. She is also an enthusiastic writer who has contributed articles to Yoga Journal, Healthline, and Yoga Medicine®’s online forum. In addition to teaching public classes and working with private clients, Jenni is also a lead teacher in the Carolina Yoga Company 200hr YTT program.
Rachel Land
Rachel's fascination lies in fusing research and tradition together to create a practice that supports and empowers each individual. Her strength is her capacity to bring theory to life, making complex topics in the yoga and wellness sphere feel simple and accessible. She carefully curates her classes, workshops and lectures to give her students the resources they need to live their best life and her fellow teachers the tools to understand the why and how that make their classes more potent and powerful. Rachel is a Yoga Medicine Therapeutic Specialist, E-RYT 500, YACEP, and a proud member of the Yoga Medicine teaching team. Deeply grateful to have benefitted from years of personal mentoring by Tiffany Cruikshank, she now runs workshops and anatomy trainings around the world, regularly contributes to other teacher trainings, and co-teaches some of the Yoga Medicine 500hr orthopedic modules.
Growing up with parents as bodyworkers led to a particular interest in fascial science, contributing to her specialty in orthopedics, pain, and myofascial release. She was the first Yoga Medicine teacher to complete the 1000hr teacher training, examining yoga therapeutics and myofascial release to improve standing stability in older adults.
It's clear to all her students that Rachel loves what she does and is passionate about empowering others to become their own teacher and wellness advocate. With that aim, she contributes regularly to online platforms including Yoga International, Yoga Journal, Yoga Digest, YogaBasics, and Healthline.
Megan Kearney (Pusateri)
Megan Pusateri, formerly Kearney is a creative vinyasa and thoughtful movement teacher who emphasizes the mind body connection. She integrates alignment and functional flow throughout her classes and always includes meditation and/or breath work. She has a combined degree in kinesiology, business and leadership. As a yoga teacher for over 15 years, she first entered the world of yoga via meditation more than 25 years ago. She has more than 6,000 teaching hours under her belt as a E-RYT and a 500 hour graduate of Yoga Medicine. She is a certified Yoga Medicine Registered Therapeutic Specialist and Yoga Alliance continuing education provider. She is specifically trained in myofascial release work, that massage, mindfulness based meditation, yoga for traumatic brain injury resilience and mixed martial arts practice. A recovering triathlete herself, Megan enjoys working with athletes, aging bodies with injuries and is specifically creating classes and curriculum for veterans and first responders, where she explores the ability to use yoga, meditation and breath work to build mental wellness in typically sleep deprived, those who suffer from PTSD and chronic.
Katja Bartsch
Katja’s workshops and lectures reflect her passion for anatomy, alignment, and anything fascia. She has been teaching yoga for about a decade and is teaching anatomy and fascia physiology in teacher trainings around Europe. Katja is certified as E-RYT 500, has a Bachelor’s degree (BSc) in sports science and is a Board-Certified Structural Integration Practitioner (BCSI; ATSI) trained by Tom Myers and his Anatomy Trains school. She is currently working towards her Ph.D. under the supervision of Dr. Robert Schleip and the Fascia Research Group in Munich (Germany).