Yoga Therapy for Musculoskeletal Ailments
An 8-month professional training for yoga teachers to build confidence and clinical skill in working with clients with musculoskeletal ailments.
Learn to assess and support clients with conditions such as herniated discs, sciatica, spinal stenosis, arthritis, joint dysfunction, and chronic low back pain while developing hands-on assessment skills, clinical reasoning, documentation practices, and professional scope awareness.
Begins October 2026
• 120 hours
• One weekend per month
• 100% Virtual + Optional In-Studio Hybrid
• Tuition includes studio membership
READY TO ADDRESS PAIN AT ITS ROOT?
If you are a yoga teacher who wants to confidently support clients with pain and injury — while understanding the deeper lifestyle patterns that contribute to chronic musculoskeletal dysfunction — this training is for you.
Yoga Therapy for Musculoskeletal Ailments (YTMA) is a 120-hour professional course that bridges structural assessment, therapeutic yoga application, and lifestyle medicine principles to create sustainable healing outcomes.
You will learn to work skillfully with herniated discs, sciatica, spinal stenosis, arthritis, strained low back muscles, and common hip, shoulder, and joint issues. Through structured client intake and physical assessment training, you will develop the clinical reasoning necessary to identify primary and secondary imbalances and design targeted, individualized yoga therapy programs.
Beyond biomechanics, this course examines the broader contributors to musculoskeletal pain — including inflammation, stress physiology, sedentary behavior, sleep disruption, metabolic health, and movement habits. You will learn how to integrate yoga therapy tools with lifestyle medicine strategies that support long-term tissue resilience, nervous system regulation, and sustainable behavior change.
This training also includes instruction in clinical documentation, professional ethics, scope of practice, and foundational business skills to support responsible and sustainable work in private sessions, healthcare settings, and community programs.
Classes begin October 2026 and continue through April 2027.
Rolling admissions allow you to begin with any module.
If you are ready to elevate your therapeutic skill set and help clients move from pain management to lasting vitality, we invite you to join us.
What You’ll Learn
By the end of this course, you will be able to:
Conduct comprehensive musculoskeletal assessments, including spinal, joint, and respiratory evaluations, using observation, palpation, and clinical reasoning.
Analyze imbalances across all five layers of the Pancha Maya system, identifying primary and secondary contributors to pain and dysfunction.
Understand common musculoskeletal pathologies such as disc injuries, joint degeneration, nerve impingement, and structural instability — including symptoms, progression, and contraindications for yoga practice.
Apply the four-step Vyūha model to prioritize symptoms, clarify therapeutic goals, and design targeted, individualized treatment plans.
Develop intelligent, progressive yoga therapy protocols, using regression and progression principles aligned with client capacity and long-term outcomes.
Conduct professional client intake and documentation, including SOAP notes, goal setting, and ethical scope-of-practice awareness.
Communicate confidently in clinical and interdisciplinary settings, utilizing appropriate medical terminology and recognizing red flags requiring referral.
Address the root causes of pain and dysfunction, integrating yoga therapy tools to support structural resilience, nervous system regulation, and sustainable recovery.
Program Details
• Dates: October 2026 – April 2027
• Format: One full weekend per month
• Delivery: 100% Virtual with optional In-Studio Hybrid
• Total Hours: 120
Course Tuition
• $400 one-time registration fee
• $325/month for 8 months
• Total tuition: $3,000
• Tuition includes Be The Change Yoga studio membership
Click To View Syllabus - 2025
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Yoga Therapy for Musculoskeletal Ailments
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| Director: Tess Jens | ||||
| YTMA1: October 25-26, 2025 | ||||
| Zoom | 3 | Saturday 8:30 – 11:30am | Introduction to the Annamaya Kosha + Professional Practice of Yoga Therapy – Directors | |
| Zoom | 5 | Saturday 12:30 – 5:30pm | Anatomical Overview and Medical Terminology – Tess Jens | |
| Zoom | 5 | Sunday 12:30 – 5:30pm | Assessment Through the Panchamaya Model and Physical Assessment – Tess Jens | |
| Asynchronous Recording | 1 | To be completed before Sunday Mentorship | Anatomical Overview and Medical Terminology (Part 2) – Tess Jens | |
| Asynchronous Assessment | 1.5 | To be completed before Sunday Mentorship | Research and Pain Science Assignment – Tess Jens (graded) | |
| Asynchronous Quiz | 0.5 | To be completed before Sunday Mentorship | YTMA M1 Quiz – Tess Jens (self-graded) | |
| November 9, 2025 | ||||
| Zoom | 2 | Sunday 9:00 – 11:00am | (1) Sunday 9:00 – 11:00am – Practicum Preparation – Tess Jens | |
| YTMA2: November 22-23, 2025 | ||||
| Zoom | 3 | Saturday 8:30 – 11:30am | Principles of Working One-On-One, S.O.A.P. Notes – Megan McCarver | |
| Zoom | 5 | Saturday 12:30 – 5:30pm | Anatomy of the Spine Part 1 – Tess Jens | |
| Zoom | 5 | Sunday 12:30 – 5:30pm | Anatomy of the Spine Part 2 – Tess Jens | |
| Asynchronous Reading + Quiz | 2 | To be completed before Sunday Mentorship | 2 hours asynchronous: YTMA M2 Quiz – Tess Jens (self-graded) | |
| December 7, 2025 | ||||
| Zoom | 2 | Sunday 9:00 – 11:00am | (2) Sunday 9:00 – 11:00am – Practicum Preparation – Tess Jens | |
| YTMA3: December 13-14, 2025 | ||||
| Zoom | 3 | Saturday 8:30 – 11:30am | Yoga Therapy Course Planning: Panchamaya Model – Megan McCarver | |
| Zoom | 5 | Saturday 12:30 – 5:30pm | Evaluation and Assessment for the Spine – Tess Jens | |
| Zoom | 5 | Sunday 12:30 – 5:30pm | Therapeutic Protocol for the Spine – Tess Jens | |
| Asynchronous Reading + Quiz | 2 | To be completed before Sunday Mentorship | 2 hours asynchronous: YTMA M3 Quiz – Tess Jens (self-graded) | |
| January 18, 2026 | ||||
| Zoom | 2 | Sunday 9:00 – 11:00am | (3) Sunday 9:00 – 11:00am – Practicum Preparation – Tess Jens | |
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YTMA4: January 31 and February 1, 2026
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| Zoom | 3 | Saturday 8:30 – 11:30am | Yoga Therapy Course Planning: Vyuha Model – Katie Allen | |
| Zoom | 5 | Saturday 12:30 – 5:30pm | Evaluation and Assessment for the Pelvis / Hips – Tess Jens | |
| Zoom | 5 | Sunday 12:30 – 5:30pm | Therapeutic Protocol for the Pelvis / Hips – Tess Jens | |
| Asynchronous Reading + Quiz | 2 | To be completed before Sunday Mentorship | 2 hours asynchronous: YTMA M4 Quiz – Tess Jens (graded) | |
| February 15, 2026 | ||||
| Zoom | 2 | Sunday 9:00 – 11:00am | (4) Sunday 9:00 – 11:00am – Practicum Preparation – Tess Jens | |
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YTMA5: February 28 – March 1, 2026
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| Zoom | 3 | Saturday 8:30 – 11:30am | Understanding Scope of Practice for the Annamaya Kosha – Tess Jens | |
| Zoom | 5 | Saturday 12:30 – 5:30pm | Evaluation and Assessment for the Lower Extremities – Tess Jens | |
| Zoom | 5 | Sunday 12:30 – 5:30pm | Therapeutic Protocol for the Lower Extremities – Tess Jens | |
| Asynchronous Assessment | 1.5 | To be completed before Sunday Mentorship | Home Practice + SOAP Note – Tess Jens (graded) | |
| Asynchronous Quiz | 0.5 | To be completed before Sunday Mentorship | YTMA M5 Quiz – Tess Jens (self-graded) | |
| March 15, 2026 | ||||
| Zoom | 2 | Sunday 9:00 – 11:00am | (5) Sunday 9:00 – 11:00am – Practicum Preparation – Tess Jens | |
| YTMA6: March 21-22, 2026 | ||||
| Zoom | 3 | Saturday 8:30 – 11:30am | Principles and Skills for Educating Clients – Megan McCarver | |
| IN-STUDIO + Zoom TBD | 5 | Saturday 12:30 – 5:30pm | Evaluation and Assessment for the Shoulders – Tess Jens | |
| IN-STUDIO + Zoom TBD | 5 | Sunday 12:30 – 5:30pm | Therapeutic Protocol for the Shoulders – Tess Jens | |
| Asynchronous Assessment | 1.5 | To be completed before Sunday Mentorship | Home Practice + SOAP Note – Tess Jens (graded) | |
| Asynchronous Quiz | 0.5 | To be completed before Sunday Mentorship | YTMA M6 Quiz – Tess Jens (self-graded) | |
| April 12, 2026 | ||||
| Zoom | 2 | Sunday 9:00 – 11:00am | (6) Sunday 9:00 – 11:00am – Practicum Preparation – Tess Jens | |
| YTMA7: April 18-19, 2026 | ||||
| Asynchronous | 3 | To be completed before Saturday | Development of Disease and Setting Priorities – Dr. Dhurga Reddy | |
| Zoom | 5 | Saturday 12:30 – 5:30pm | Summary of all Annamaya Assessment Protocols – Tess Jens | |
| Zoom | 5 | Sunday 12:30 – 5:30pm | Student Practicum for the Annamaya Module – Tess Jens | |
| Asynchronous Final Exam | 2 | To be completed before Sunday Mentorship | 2 hours asynchronous: YTMA Final Exam – Tess Jens | |
| April 26, 2026 | ||||
| Zoom | 2 | Sunday 9:00 – 11:00am | (7) Sunday 9:00 – 11:00am – Practicum Preparation – Tess Jens | |
| YTMA Synchronous Hours: | 102 | |||
| YTMA Asynchronous Hours: | 18 | |||
| Total YTMA Hours: | 120 |
Click To View Syllabus - 2026
Coming soon!
Is This Training Right for You?
This course is ideal for yoga teachers and wellness professionals who feel called to mental health work and want a structured, ethical, and supportive pathway into yoga therapy. If you haven’t taken a 300hr YTT yet are are looking to become a Yoga Therapist, take time to meditate upon your 825hr Path Options.
Apply Now!
Unlimited Yoga Membership
Yoga therapist training students receive a complimentary yoga membership (in-studio + virtual) while enrolled throughout the duration of our training programs.
Frequently Asked Questions
What are the program pre-requisites?
The Applicant must:
1. Be at least 18 years of age;
2. Have a high school diploma or equivalent;
3. Have a 200-hour yoga teaching certificate from a Yoga Alliance registered school;
4. Have at least one (1) year of teaching experience;
5. Have at least one (1) year of personal practice.
To be eligible for enrollment in any of the courses, the Applicant must:
1. Complete the On-line Application;
2. Provide a copy of the 200-hour Yoga Teacher Training Certificate
3. Pay the registration fee for the course
Is there a requirement to be in-studio?
No, there is no requirement where you have to attend classes in-person. You are welcome to take the entire course remotely via Zoom.
What is the time commitment?
If you are enrolled in Option #1 the course meets one weekend per month for 10 months.
If you are enrolled in Option #2 the course meets for 10 weekends over 16 months as well as one mid-month 3-hour review + integration class on a Sunday morning.
What if I miss a Yoga Therapist Training class?
We understand that life happens, and sometimes you may need to miss a class. Below are the options available for making up missed content:
Make-Up Options
Option 1: Asynchronous Completion
Watch the class recording (available in Google Drive) and complete the related quiz or assignment in Google Classroom.
- Trainees may complete up to 40% of the program asynchronously in line with IAYT accreditation standards..
Option 2: Attend with the Next Cohort
You may make up missed lectures the following year with the next class.
Option 3: Private or Group Mentorship
If you would like additional support or in-depth study, you may schedule a make-up session with an instructor.
- $55/hour for an individual session
- $35/hour per person for groups of two or more
Once you’ve completed a Make-Up class, please email
Tiffanie@bethechangeyoga.com
How much does the training cost?
We have developed a monthly auto-pay plan to make tuition more affordable and easier to manage. Tuition includes studio membership at Be The Change Yoga for the duration of the training.
JOIN US FOR THIS COURSE!
If you are a yoga teacher who would like to increase your knowledge of anatomy and understand the working of the human systems and how to address common imbalance, we invite you to join us.
- Course meets one weekend per month for 6 months
- 100% Virtual with In-Studio Hybrid option
- One full weekend per month + one mid-month 2-hour review class
- Monthly auto-pay program ($325/mo for 6 months)
- One-time $500 Registration Fee
- Total Tuition: $2450
- Total Hours: 98 hours
Start date: May 30, 2026 – November 1, 2026
Click Here to Download 825hr Pathways Document for Students enrolled in our 300hr YTT
Refund Policy
- Our auto-pay program includes a one-time non-refundable registration fee per module and the specified autopay terms for each module.
- Trainee will receive a full refund (minus the registration fee) if they withdraws from the training at least 3 days before taking any classes by notifying AlcheMe Yoga Therapy / Be The Change Yoga in writing.
- If trainee chooses to withdraw from the training after the initial start date, they can cancel the monthly auto-pay program. Any tuition paid once classes have been taken is non-refundable.
- Any unused tuition will remain on trainee’s account for future trainings at then current, a la carte rate, minus a $200 administrative fee.
- If trainee withdraws from the autopay program and seeks to re-enroll for 825hr certification at a later date, a $200 administrative fee will be required. Trainee will resume autopay at the then current price.
- If trainee continues enrollment in the auto-pay program but is unable to attend all courses during the 26-month period; they can complete the 26-month autopay program and apply the funds towards future 825hr YTT classes and complete the coursework at a later date.
- The 825hr Yoga Teacher Training program must be completed within a 4-year period
How do I apply?
If you are interested in taking one course a time, please fill out the application for each module:
- Yoga Therapy for Musculoskeletal Ailments Course
- Yoga Therapy for the Energetic Body & Human Systems Course
- Yoga Therapy for Mental Health and Special Populations Course
- Practicum Supervision and Group Mentorship Course
If you are interested in completing the entire training and becoming a Yoga Therapist:
Please fill out the application form CLICK HERE and email Katie@bethechangeyoga.com after submission.
In addition, submit your two letters of recommendation (1 personal and 1 professional) using the following Letters of Recommendation Link. We will review your materials and reply in 1-2 weeks. Upon acceptance into the program, you can pay the $600 registration fee. Tuition for month 1 will be due on the first day of class, as trainees become enrolled in the monthly autopay program.
