Musical Flow: An Analysis on Optimizing Yoga Sequences for Work-Related Musculoskeletal Symptoms in Choral Teachers

This qualitative study identified work-related musculoskeletal symptoms that middle and high school choral teachers experienced and identified yoga asanas that may mitigate the physical imbalances that lead to those musculoskeletal symptoms. Previous studies have focused on musculoskeletal symptoms in instrumentalists, conductors, and vocalists. However, a choral teacher’s work includes all those jobs and requires unique tools curated for their work demands. Self-care can be more easily facilitated when tools that fit the specific needs of choral teachers are available. Proper self-care may lead to reduced musculoskeletal symptoms and improved holistic health. Yoga asanas, which target the most reported areas of musculoskeletal symptoms, were selected and explained. To optimize the ease of use, a yoga sequence is included in the appendix which contains pictures and scripted narration to complete the sequence.