Yoga helps with shoulder injuries
For three years, Candace Elizabeth Pearson has struggled with intense shoulder pain, the result of repetitious lifting of heavy boxes of products used at her Candy Cakes Bath Bakery.
The 32-year-old co-owner of Hendersonville’s Candy Cakes tried orthopedic doctors, physical therapy, massage and acupuncture to relieve the pain, but she said nothing has helped until she started her Yoga practice at YAM.
“I finally gave up on traditional Western-style treatment. It just wasn’t working,” says Candace. “I went to Dr. Keifer at Keifer Chiropractic. He was able to give me complete relief, but it would only last for a day or two. When I started attending classes at YAM, I noticed that my adjustments lasted as long as two weeks. Instantly!
“It’s the best thing that’s happened to me this year!” Candace says.
She now has the mobility and strength to use her left arm for brushing her teeth or combing her hair, simple tasks that we all take for granted.
Candace attends Yoga classes at least five times a week, alternating with the different kinds of classes and heat temperatures. Her first class at YAM was Jenne’s Therapeutic one, and it was just what the doctor ordered.
“It felt amazing, so I signed up for the two-week unlimited pass so I could try different classes,” she says.
But relief from her shoulder pain isn’t the only benefit Candace has received. “It’s the fact that after every class I feel amazing. It awakens my whole body, my mind and my spirit. I’m happier when I practice yoga. It helps me love myself, my body. I know this sounds cliché, but it helps me with acceptance and patience, not just for myself but with everyone I encounter.”
She says she especially appreciates YAM’s instructors’ patience and their caring and helpful attitude in class. All that makes Candace want to come back to class, again and again.
When she isn’t at work making her natural bath products in the shape of cupcakes, Candace enjoys walking and hiking with her “dogder” Lola, gardening, cooking, baking, snowboarding and creating all sorts of crafty items.
But Yoga reigns at the top of her list. She says she believes everyone should have the opportunity to practice and experience Yoga.
“I think it would make not only people’s lives better, but the community and our world better,” Candace says.