Discover My Protocol For
Yoga Teachers With Sacroiliac Pain
To Restore Stability And

Move With Ease

Normally US$347, now US$259
until Oct 16th.  Save US $88
(approx NZ $515 $390 incl GST)

Chronic or intermittent sacroiliac pain or discomfort can both restrict your yoga practice and your life as well as challenge your teaching.

Sarah initially brushed it off.  What started out as a sharp lower back twinge during practice, had sort of improved but continued to flare. Over time the discomfort persisted as a "niggling" ache, and now it had been a constant companion for five years, no matter what she did.

Being a senior yoga teacher and a qualified yoga therapist, yet not being able to fix her own nagging SIJ discomfort was very frustrating, leading Sarah to wonder if it was simply early onset age-related-degeneration ...

And that thought introduced all sorts of unanswerable questions. What was it going to be like in another five years?  How long would she be able to practice without more serious pain management? How could she ethically teach practices that appeared to be causing her own instability? How much was this going to cost?

Sarah needed to continue working as a teacher but she also wanted to know which yoga practices were contributing to her problem and, more importantly, she wanted to prevent this from happening to her students.   She felt frustrated that as a qualified yoga therapist she couldn't seen to shift her own SIJ instability.

Professional doubt, and fear crept in. So when an opportunity arose to model an unknown yet passive muscle balancing exercise in front of 100+ of her peers at a Yoga Therapy conference arose, Sarah volunteered.

When asked by Donna Farhi, after two 5-minute rests, lying prone on a bolster with a soft therapy ball placed under her groins,  "Now stand up slowly and tell me what you feel," Sarah paused. Tears welled, then ran down her face, over a growing smile.

“It’s the first time I’ve stood still, and been comfortable in 5 years,” she said.

Yoga for Lower Back Pain: 
Keys to Sacroiliac Stability And Ease of Movement

There are an estimated 14.2 million US outpatients with sacroiliac joint (SIJ) related lower back pain according to a 2014 paper published by the US National Institute of Health.*


The information in this online course could be the next step to assist in recovery of SIJ function.


In this self-paced 13 hours of course material working through my SIJ protocol shows the anatomical and bio-mechanical basis explaining why many common and loved yoga practices, may be inadvertently eroding pelvic integrity. The course offers a pathway from practices that aggravate, to those that stabilize, strengthen and build pelvic integrity to regain easeful movement.


Created from more than three decades of teaching and my own recent journey of recovery from a double pelvic fracture, this course has been designed for yogis by a yogi, but with application to all people suffering with SIJ discomfort, pain or disability.


*Sacroiliac Joint Pain: Burden of Disease: Cher,  Polly, & Berven: Medical Devices (Auckl) 2014; 7: 73–81. US National Library of Medicine.

Here’s What You’ll Get When You Enroll

This pre-recorded online course delivers 13 hours of learning to binge watch or self-pace over weeks. The course includes:
-Lifetime access to all four anatomy lectures and four videos (available within 48 hours of registration).
-Transcripts and audio downloads of the four lectures and four video practices.
-Cheat sheets from each of the four video practice sessions giving you a handy reference on your mat.

Lifetime access

Take advantage of online learning and study at any time without ever feeling pressured. Rewind, pause or fast forward to any section for deeper study.

Practice Cheat Sheets

One set for each of the four videos to summarize the practice sequence. This means you can watch and focus on the video without needing to take notes, then use the cheat sheets as a guide on the mat. Includes the full list of props.

Click or tap to enlarge image

Flexible Learning Increases Retention

Enjoy the flexibility of online learning, which studies show not only saves 40-60% of the time required to attend live classes but also enhances retention by 25-60%.

Qualifies for 13 non-contact hours of professional development

This course qualifies for ...

-13 non-contact CE hours with Yoga Alliance or 

-13 APD hours with the International Association of Yoga Therapists

Here’s what people are saying about the course

Peter Blackaby

Yoga Teacher, Author: Intelligent Yoga

Well Thought Through and Easy to Follow

Donna Farhi has put together a deeply helpful online course for people seeking to understand the causes, ramifications and rehabilitation protocols  of low back pain and sacroiliac problems. She covers the theory in depth, including a helpful review of the historical perspectives that lead up to current thinking. The practical aspect of the course is well thought through and easy to follow, I can fully recommend it.

Andrea Vehrs

Yoga Teacher, MSc, E-RYT200, RYT500

Resigned from the SIJ Club

THANK YOU DONNA! I have learned SO much and I have cut up my membership card to the SIJ Club! I have also had chronic hip pain off and on for years in my front left hip flexor . As I have been applying the principles and doing the practices I have NO MORE hip pain. Wow!

Laura Kupperman

M.A., C-IAYT

An Important Resource For All Yoga Professionals

This course is an important resource for yoga professionals who want to understand SI joint function on a deeper level, and specifically, how to create more SI joint stability for their students or themselves. Unfortunately, there seems to be more and more SI joint dysfunction among yogis, due to an overemphasis on practices that can overstretch ligaments and create discomfort. Using clear accessible language, and demonstrating a deep understanding of anatomy, Donna provides practical remedies to help us avoid and diminish SI joint pain. I highly recommend this course for yoga therapists, yoga teachers, and any movement professional who wants to provide safer teachings for their students.

What’s in the course?

Note: This course was originally delivered in four parts over four weeks to allow time for integration. However, if there is an immediate need to reduce pain, just skip ahead to the Reducing Pain and Discomfort video, but please come back to the anatomy lectures.  Many students tell me that despite having "studied anatomy"  they had never fully grasped the biomechanics of the sacroiliac joints and their relationship to the lower back and hips.  More importantly, they were then able to see how this cognitive understanding would totally reshape their yoga practice.

1

Part One: Lectures 1 & 2
Understanding the SIJ Bones and Ligaments

Anatomy of the Sacroiliac Joints 

Discover the changing  evolutionary relationship between the SIJ , lumbar spine and hips, and the specific anatomical features that contribute to its stability bias yet paradoxically also allow for small degrees of mobility essential for optimal movement.


Explore the impact of gender on the incidence rate of SIJ issues and why pelvic anatomical variation defines movement ability differences between yogis and not competency or skill.


Finally, we’ll investigate how unsound biomechanics can leverage into and pry apart these joints setting the stage for SIJ dysfunction.

2

Part 1: Two 1- Hour Practice Videos

Eight Things Yogis Do to Stuff-Up Their SI-Joints:

Including femoral and spinal leveraging, misguided biomechanics in standing postures, faulty transitions in flow sequences, and poor core strength coupled with hypermobility. 


Reducing Pain & Discomfort:

Research shows that pain alone can contribute to ongoing poor motor control and movement dysfunction. You’ll learn a simple practice sequence for calming and alleviating sacroiliac discomfort and helping to recenter the pelvic bones. We’ll do targeted release work with the iliopsoas muscles, gently mobilize the pelvis and lumbar spine, and learn to adapt practices to prevent excessive loading into the SIJs. We’ll also look at prop considerations that can make a big difference for those with pelvic discomfort.


3

Part Two: Lectures 1 & 2
Understanding the SIJ Musculature and Movement

Kinesiology of the Sacroiliac Joint & Models for Optimal Movement Function 

Covering the historical development of Panjabi’s Spinal Stability System, Vleeming and Lee’s Integrated model for joint function and Hoffman & Gabels’ “Stability to Express Movement” theorem.  These models give us a platform to understand why optimal movement cannot be attained through isolated core strength alone.  


Startling new meta-analysis studies are revealing that training stability in isolation does not offer long-term relief in people with lower back pain.


We’ll look at how stability and mobility systems of the skeleton and ligaments, muscles, fascia and tendons, and the coordination of movement through the nervous system form an interdependent relationship


Building on this we’ll investigate the intimate relationship between the “mobility-designed” hip joint, and the “stability-designed” sacroiliac joint and how these structures can be affected by common yet misguided alignment cues and “hip-opening” strategies. By understanding the movements of nutation, counternutation, and the unique action that twisting places on the SIJs, we’ll build a protocol for recovery of movement function starting with the safest movements, building towards more challenging but necessary movements, and identifying the movements most challenging to the SIJs (that may have limited usefulness for everyday living).  

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Part Two: Two 1- Hour Practice Videos

Coming Together: Building Pelvic Integrity

This practice protocol focuses on reducing asymmetrical torque in the SIJs caused by muscular imbalances, and progresses towards strengthening both core and global body tone and movement coordination to stabilize the pelvis and reduce SI-joint translation.  


Many people who suffer from chronic or intermittent SIJ discomfort falsely believe that further stretching will alleviate their discomfort, only to discover that within hours the pain has worsened. Although counter-intuitive, increasing force closure of the SIJs (the snugness of the joint offered through increased regional muscular support) can often give surprising reductions in pain both immediately after practice and in the long term.  


Donna will also share some unique sequences she has developed that have radically improved her pelvic stability and improved the depth of stance, speed and balance of walking (an activity that for many people exacerbates their SIJ discomfort).  This pelvic integrity practice is a simple, accessible practice that may become your lifelong friend.


Maintaining Stability While Regaining Mobility

Restoring pelvic stability often involves limiting practice to linear, sagittal planes of movement (neutral, flexion and extension) and, for a period of time, avoiding movements that challenge SIJ stability.


Our everyday activities, however, require that we be able to move safely and effectively in multiple planes—rotating, spiraling, changing levels, and using our limbs in an asymmetrical fashion.


This practice sequence begins with a standing warming and loosening sequence to improve fluidity in the spine.  


We’ll then explore strategies for maintaining stability while increasing mobility and function: reintroducing asymmetrical practices such as lunges, wider-stance standing postures, and twists.  Many of the variations offered can be incorporated into your Yoga classes to help your students avoid future SIJ problems.

Bonus

Enrol now and enjoy these bonuses!

Bonus 1
Ten Mini Video Tutorials 

(Available until 9 AM Wednesday 14th Oct NZST)

There's over 60 minutes of summary teaching in this bonus.

When the SIJ course was first released Donna created a series of ten promotional videos that were only available for 30 days. 

Most videos are 5 - 10 minutes long: bite-sized info-chunks that cover a  key issue in more detail than the course.

Ideal as a teaching resource or quick refresher.


Lifetime Access.

Bonus 2
Three New Mini Tutorial Videos

(Available until 9 AM Wednesday 14th Oct NZST)

These three videos were created in response to common questions that arose after the course was first released. 

In 20 minutes Donna covers three important issues:


1. Undoing Hips Square to the Front


2. Anchoring the Feel of Pelvic Stability


3. Blocks, Bridges and Sacroiliac Pain
Ideal as a teaching resource or quick refresher.


Lifetime Access.

Bonus 3
Two Live Q&A Webinars with Donna

All course registrants will be invited to two live webinars with Donna. 

The webinars will be held two weeks after close of registration, when people have had enough time to watch both anatomy tutorials and practice videos from Part One. Two weeks later the focus will be on Part Two of the course.
The sessions will be guided by questions submitted from the group prior to the call.


This will give registrants a chance to seek clarification of course related material.

Recordings will be available for all registrants.

Normally US$347, now US$259
until Oct 16th.  Save US $88
(approx NZ $515 $390 incl GST)

About The Course Teacher,
(Donna Farhi)

Donna Farhi is a Yoga teacher who has been practicing for over 40 years and teaching since 1982. As a post-lineage pioneer, Donna has been at the forefront of generating a new model for teaching and practice that fosters self-inquiry through the cultivation of each person’s inner reference system. Going beyond the archaic pedagogic model that is characterised by “Simon Says” mimicry and rigid formulaic methodology, her approach is to create a safe learning environment where her students can investigate, adapt and evolve their practice to honor their individual needs.

Incorporating the rigorous backing of anatomical principles for safe and sustainable practice, Donna offers progressive levels of engagement that allow people of all levels of experience and from all traditions to build their own authentic Yoga practice. .

Considered the “teacher of teachers” students return to Donna’s intensives year after year to be a part of the inspiring evolution of Donna’s own practice and teaching.

Here’s what people are saying about the course instructor

Adrienne Lewsam

Author, Yoga and Meditation Teacher

Donna is a Master Presenter and Educator

I came with no expectations – only experience of past workshops with other accomplished teachers who mostly structured the lessons around asana. In contrast, this blitzed all!! Donna is a master presenter and educator. The information given, powerful and instantly useful, delivered in a well measured series for ease of understanding.

Carol Stall

Yoga Teacher

Simply the Best of the Best

Donna’s work is of the highest integrity, cohesion and value I have ever found in 37 years of my Yoga path. Simply the best of the best.

Kelly Elizabeth Fox

Yoga Teacher

Taking the Concepts Far Beyond Standard Textbooks

Donna’s teaching has greatly increased my understanding of biomechanics and human movement, taking the concepts far beyond standard health science textbooks. Applying this knowledge to yoga creates a profound awareness of subtle changes and possibilities within the human body and spirit. Above all, I really appreciated Donna’s grounded, practical approach to yoga and teaching.

No matter what Yoga style or philosophy, a full understanding of individual anatomical variation and posture driven bio-mechanical strain is essential to prevent, manage or resolve sacroiliac dysfunction for any body.

Many people with early SIJ dysfunction tolerate or attempt to self-manage their situation with or without medication. If the problem persists, they may seek medical support from chiropractors, osteopaths, physical therapists, from acupuncturists or other medical professionals and may get some relief. The average chiropractor adjustment cost $115 in the US (2019).* 


With yogis in particular, unless there is exploration of the problem's root cause and a connection is made with aspects of the very practice they love and live by, the dysfunction persists and over time joint degradation may follow.  Many of the yoga practices that cause sacroiliac dysfunction can also degrade the lower back and hips.  Double hip replacements are becoming surprisingly common in yoga teachers.


Over the last three decades I'm seeing more and more students with persistent SIJ dysfunction and often receive requests for help.   Lower back pain related to SIJ dysfunction is increasing. From 2004 to 2015, the volume of elective lumbar fusion operations increased 62.3%, to 199,410 in the US at an average cost of $50,000.** Of those that remained symptomatic after surgery (61.5%) SIJ dysfunction and pain may account for a large proportion of cases, as illustrated by the impressively high rate of residual low back pain compatible with SIJ-pain found in this study (46.9%) or 28.8% of people having lumbar fusion surgery.***


This course is designed to help you identify the possible root causes of your SIJ instability and to give you the tools to  adapt your yoga practice to regain stability and increase mobility.


You can review the 13-hours of course material as often as you like and once you've learned the practices from the video sessions you can use the practice pdf sheets to guide your on-the-mat sessions.  


Disclaimer: This course does not constitute or substitute for professional medical advice.


*How Much Does A Chiropractic Treatment Cost? https://chiropractorglendaleaz.com/blog/much-chiropractic-care-cost/

**Trends in Lumbar Fusion Procedure Rates and Associated Hospital Costs for Degenerative Spinal Diseases in the United States, 2004 to 2015. https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/30074971

***Prevalence and Clinical Relevance of Sacroiliac Joint Pain Secondary to Lumbar Fusion Procedures https://journals.sagepub.com/doi/abs/10.1055/s-0036-1582697




100% Satisfaction Guarantee for 15 Days

If you are not satisfied, then neither are we. 

You have 15 days to explore the course in full and if you decide that it is not what you expected or does not meet your expectations, simply notify us and we'll refund your purchase.

No questions asked and you can keep access to the 80 minutes of bonus videos.

Don’t wait! Look at what past students have to say about this course

Jivana Heyman

Founder Accessible Yoga

Donna Farhi is One Expert That I Trust Wholeheartedly

Participating in Donna Farhi's newest online training, "Yoga for Lower Back Pain" gave me such a feeling of relief. It was not just relief for my own back pain, but relief in the knowledge that this important information is getting to yoga teachers and students. I often worry about the harm we may unknowingly be doing as yoga teachers when we don't apply the current knowledge of body mechanics. Of course, staying current is very challenging, and it's hard to know which "expert" to trust. But Donna Farhi is one expert that I trust wholeheartedly, not just because of her incredible knowledge and skills, but because of her personal experience with injury and using yoga for healing.

Sula Blake

Yoga Practitioner 

Ground Breaking Work

Donna is doing such ground breaking work, I am quite sure one day her protocols will be the internationally recognized gold standard for treating the lower back - and not just in yoga practitioners. I could literally feel the subtle placement alteration in my body the day after the workshop - my movement was more free and more comfortable. Thank you.

Rose Kress

Director, ERYT500, C-IAYT, LEYE, YACEP

Put the Anatomical Wisdom Into Action with Tips to Avoid Common Mistakes

This course is a MUST for any yoga teacher or practitioner. Donna Farhi has compiled an abundance of information to keep students safe and strong in yoga classes. The detailed information about your pelvic structure is presented with clarity and precision. Farhi is at the leading edge of the new trend to keep you body safe while practicing yoga. Upon completion of this course, you will know why we need to protect our sacroiliac joint and why we need to stop the excessive stretching that has become commonplace in yoga. More than Power Points with lecture, Farhi provides practice sessions where you can put the anatomical wisdom into action with tips to avoid common mistakes that many of us make in yoga classes. I cannot say enough about how much I enjoyed this course and how simple it was to integrate the information and tools provided. Do not miss this opportunity have happier sacroiliac joints and a life filled with more ease of movement.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is course access released in stages?

Is a certificate provided with the course to claim professional education credits?

Can the videos be downloaded? 

Does Donna offer one-on-one health consultations? 

When are  the webinars? 

Will the webinars have a replay? 

Normally US$347, now US$259
until Oct 16th.  Save US $88
(approx NZ $515 $390 incl GST)

Help stop sacroiliac joint suffering

The demand for this knowledge far outstrips my ability to deliver it personally.


What could be more important than offering caring guidance for people to integrate this into their lives?


For both yogis and non-yogis this is the sea-change required. 


By surrendering misguided beliefs and bio-mechanically unsound yoga practice and through building safe practice sequences on top of a foundation of self-inquiry, perhaps together, we can reverse the declining health statistics around sacroiliac function.


Sending care,


Donna Farhi



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