The saddest thing I’ve realized lately is how much the dental hygiene profession has normalized pain. What I mean by this is… practitioners who DO NOT experience pain in our profession seem to be the minority.

With all of the research I’ve done and people I’ve talked with, I’d say there is less than 5% of hygienists who don’t experience aches, pains or discomfort on a regular basis.

I was there, too–for a long time actually.

If we haven’t met yet, Hi–I’m Caitlin! I’ve been a dental hygienist for over ten years, and the first eight of those ten years I experienced pain in my body regularly. Whether it was neck/shoulder tension, carpal tunnel symptoms, low back pain, hip pain, or knee and ankle aches–I felt it all.

And now… no pain. Of course, I get aches and discomfort occasionally, but now I have the tools to manage them on a regular basis and the most important thing is–I take the time to manage it so that I do feel good!

Because we all know that when we don’t feel 100% in our body, we have less energy, motivation, and presence. When we lack those, we aren’t able to give our 110% efforts to our patients and the office, and ultimately, we end up depleted.

>> So let’s talk about how we can all start to feel better as a profession…

>> Let’s talk about what WORKS to decrease pain, discomfort, and aches.

>> Let’s talk about what works to increase strength + stability and decrease tension + tightness.

⇒ For me — Yoga Therapy ⇐

Here are THREE reasons why you need to try yoga therapy–

First, I want to share HOW I came to yoga therapy. It was a few years into working clinically in my dream office when I started to realize how much pain I was actually in. So like a lot of hygienists, I tried a few things–one being yoga. I went to my first hot yoga class and loved it as I started to find some relief.

The more I went, though, the more I started to realize that there had to be a different type of yoga that could help the bodies of people like me who do such small and specific movements…

This curiosity led me to a cross-country move from Boston to San Diego to pursue therapeutic yoga and start not only feeling better physically but help others do the same.

1,000 hours later, I became a Certified Yoga Therapist.

Fast forward three years, I currently still work as an RDH but also created my own yoga therapy business and specialize in pain, movement and stress management.

Through my own personal healing journey, I’ve discovered WHAT WORKS and what DOESN’T WORK to effectively and powerfully create massive shifts in the physical body that decrease pain and discomfort, create a deeper connection to the body, and reduce stress and tension.

So let’s dive in….

1.) STABILIZATION + STRENGTH

One of the main distinctions between yoga therapy & traditional yoga is that it is much more individualized. Traditional yoga helps us feel better but typically we shove our bodies into certain movements, whereas yoga therapy adapts the movements to our bodies which give us a greater benefit.

In yoga therapy, we use simple movements to create big results. The first result is increased strength and stabilization. This is SO IMPORTANT for proper posture.

Through the intentional movements of yoga therapy and the use of props, we’re able to build strength in the body for the specific areas of our body that become weak from sitting so much.

Integral core strength, back + neck strength and leg strength are all crucial for good posture and no pain.

2.) RELEASING TENSION + CREATING SPACE–

This sounds intuitive, right? Easier said than done though for us hygienists who use the same small muscles over and over again. It’s hard to find and get into the tight areas that when we don’t address, cause us pain.

Through slow, intentional movement linked with consistent breath pattern, we’re able to release tension, loosen muscles that become rigid, and decrease pain.

Without breath, there is no release.

Our breath is the command center for the body–when our breath is steady & calm, our nervous system moves from stress to relaxation.

This is the key to yoga therapy.

3.) AWARENESS OF ALIGNMENT, BODY MECHANICS + POSTURE–

One of the most important parts of yoga therapy, and my work specifically, isn’t just the stretching and the strengthening, it’s the importance of understanding our posture, alignment & movement patterns that are individualized.

For an example, if you’re right-side dominant, it’s likely that your right side is going to be tighter than the left–this simple discrepancy can cause pain due to the imbalance.

Through yoga therapy, we’re able to understand where our imbalances are, what muscles/areas are tight/overworked and which ones are tight/underworked.

This is crucial for proper posture, alignment & body mechanics–

This is crucial in the removal of pain.

As you can see, there are big distinctions between traditional yoga in classes and strategic, intentional yoga therapy practices for dental hygienists.

THIS IS WHY I CREATED FOUNDATION TO FREEDOM!

If you haven’t heard of F2F, it is a comprehensive, 3-month online yoga therapy program specifically for dental hygienists.

THE PROGRAM INCLUDES:

12 (weekly) therapeutic practices with a new area to focus on each week
3 (60-min) one-on-one sessions with me to address alignment, posture & mechanics
12 (weekly) mediation + breathing practices to reduce stress + anxiety
3 (monthly) live training on posture & alignment, stress management & easy self-care tips to create more balance and harmony in your life
Private group for 24/7 support from myself & fellow RDHs, and a breakthrough workbook to stay on top of your goals & motivation.

THIS PROGRAM IS FOR YOU IF:

You’re a dental hygienist
You do/have experienced aches, pain or discomfort in your body
You want to learn how to strengthen &/or stretch your body properly
You’re looking for a preventative way to stay healthy & balanced
You’re ready to put in a little bit to get a lot

THIS PROGRAM IS NOT FOR YOU IF:

You expect a miracle or magic pill to fix you

You’re going to sign up but not do the work
You’re not a dental hygienist
You’re negative and don’t like anything

If you want to learn more about this program and the epic offer that’s available for it right now, click the link below to learn more and save your spot!

Foundation to Freedom Info Page

If you have specific questions and want to see if you’re a good fit for the program, email me at:

Caitlin’s Email

I truly look forward to hearing from you and helping you transition from a life and career in pain/discomfort to one that is more expansive and balanced.

I’m living proof that it can happen for anyone.

In Gratitude,

Caitlin

Your Chairside Guide

A Dental Professionals guide to ditching aches, pain, and discomfort!

The Aligned Hygienist Program: Yoga & Ergonomics for
Busy Dental Hygienists
Ready to Thrive In & Out of The Op

Are you a dental hygienist who’s ready to overcome or prevent chronic pain & injuries while mastering your ergonomics with ease and a proven system? Meet The Aligned Hygienist Program.

About the Author

My name is Caitlin, I’m a chronic pain survivor, Certified Yoga Therapist, Registered Dental Hygienist, and founder and CEO of Caitlin Parsons Yoga Therapy, a yoga therapy and wellness company. I recently made my dreams a reality by quitting my full-time job as a dental hygienist to pursue my passion and purpose helping others get back into alignment.

Now I use my personal and professional experiences with chronic pain, stress and anxiety, and injury recovery to help women step back into their own alignment – in their bodies, minds and throughout their lives. I help empower women to create balance in their bodies and minds so they can access greater levels of freedom in their lives inside my monthly membership program (Aligned), group coaching program for hygienists (The Aligned Hygienist), a Yoga + Coaching Program for Dental Teams, and private yoga therapy coaching.

I love to share my knowledge and expertise on mindfulness and therapeutic yoga for back pain through my blog and social media platforms as well as guest appearances on other inspiring and like-minded podcasts.

Curious about the different ways I support Dental Professionals?

Client Success Stories

Cary

“I started working with Caitlin because I was tired of being in pain all the time and had learned about yoga therapy from a friend. I had such bad hip pain, it hurts to sit down, get up, exercise and walk around. The pain moved down my leg sometimes and up into my low back.

Now I feel amazingly strong, am able to actually bend down and reach my shoes so I can tie them! I gained an immense amount of strength in my hips as well as have learned many things I can do on my own to keep going in the right direction. I really enjoyed the one on one time! And the fact that Caitlin came to my house was amazing. I had no excuses to not show up for myself and the results paid off! I have already recommended Caitlin to my friends and will continue to do so.” – Cary

Ania

“I started working with Caitlin because I had recently gotten surgery from a brain tumor. I had very little mobility in my shoulder and arm. I was concerned that the lack of mobility, discomfort and reduced strength would increase chances for more pain and injury. Working with Caitlin was amazing, I would recommend her personal approach to anyone. She is dedicated to her work, has great knowledge and communication. Caitlin does a wonderful job guiding you back to your body and yourself.” – Ania

Russ M.

“I started working with Caitlin because I had chronic low back pain and regular flare-ups. I was told by multiple doctors that I would always be in pain and my posture would never improve unless I had surgery. The pain got so bad that I couldn’t play volleyball anymore, which created a negative spiral in my mood, energy and throughout my life. The results I got with Caitlin was amazing. I no longer have chronic pain or chronic acid reflux which I was on medication for. I’m much healthier and happier now than I ever have been!” – Russ M.

Donna

“I started working with Caitlin because I had neck pain, shoulder pain, neck congestion and ringing in my ears. I was working a lot, taking care of my family, and I was beginning to spiral downwards in a state of stress and pain. With all of that, life became a chore. I wanted to learn how to take care of myself so I could live a happy life and take care of my responsibilities from a place of joy, not dread. I wanted to get my neck to a place where it wasn’t painful and tightening every time I was stressed.

Now I no longer have neck pain or tightness, I’m stressed and ear ringing has greatly reduced. My body feels so much better as a whole. Caitlin helped me find peace. Caitlin has an innate sense of knowing how to tailor each session to fit how I’m feeling in my body and what I need. Caitlin helped me change the way I react to stress; now I’m more mindful of my reactions and the way I take care of my body. I’m stronger in my body and mind now which has positively affected my entire life.” – Donna M.

Hayley

“I started working with Caitlin because I was completely disconnected from my body because of a genetic disease, having constant, chronic pain, extreme trouble sleeping and anxiety living in my own skin. I wanted to feel better- I wanted to have less pain and have a better quality of life–building strength and reconnecting with my body were a bonus. Working with Caitlin exceeded my expectations- I sleep so much better now and my pain has improved significantly. I’m less anxious and have practices to help when my symptoms flare. I’m more grounded and embodied, I have a daily yoga practice that continues to build on the foundation Caitlin helped me create.

Caitlin is incredible, she validated me and helped me work on my whole self. She customized everything to work specifically for me. I 100% recommend working with Caitlin. She believed that healing was possible and she held that vision for me and brought it to each session, and eventually I believed and embodied it too. She helped me find the power in every single baby step towards a more whole and healthy life, and I am completely transformed by it. This work isn’t the quick fix, it’s deep, holistic, soul-led healing.” – Hayley

Joan

“Working with Caitlin was the best thing I ever did for myself. I thought that I would always have pain because I’ve done so many things to try and help but they haven’t worked, until yoga therapy with Caitlin. Now I am living with less pain, my posture has improved, I am getting stronger, and my clothes are getting looser.” – Joan

Kim Ponzio

“Before I came to Caitlin, I was taking Motrin and Tylenol on a daily basis like clockwork. I would skip going to the pool or out with my family after work due to the pain in my body. I was very depressed and isolating myself from activities that I really enjoy doing with my family and friends. I had pain on a daily basis in my lower back, shoulder blades, hips and left knee. Some days I had so much pain and inflammation in my body I felt like I couldn’t make it through the day.

Since starting FTF I am slowly starting to get control of my pain and inflammation through the online program one-on-one sessions with Caitlin. Inflammation is decreasing, I’m sitting up taller and I’m more aware of my posture both at work and in my daily routines outside of work. I am no longer having to take Motrin and Tylenol on a daily basis and I am able to walk longe distances without pain in my knees. “

Russel

“I never thought I would get out of back, knee, and postural pain. I also have a curvature in my back that I have been told most of my life cannot be changed. When I came to Caitlin, I wasn’t playing my favorite sport and I was miserable at work. Even doing simple things was really painful. Caitlin completely personalizes her services based on your needs. She takes considerable time to answer all of my questions and targets my sessions for exactly what I need that day and what my goals are. Caitlin always asks me what is going on and listens really well. She is a wealth of knowledge about yoga, human anatomy, and how humans should move. No two sessions are the same. We changed the way I move while doing simple things like sitting in a car or at my desk, putting dishes away and bending over to clean dog poop so that my back is protected from re-injury. I am healing my back partly to return to playing volleyball. I now understand how to be in my volleyball stances and movements so that I can avoid injury when I get back to playing. I am already standing up much straighter and feel more confident. I never thought I would feel this good in my body and I am so wow-ed by Caitlins mastery of her craft.” – Russel

Dan Greco

“Caitlin really knows how to curate yoga program for sustainable strengthening. My shoulders and core used to be weaknesses but after a few sessions I see my posture has improved and the range of motion in my shoulders. She’s caring, fun, and a pleasure to work with. I’d recommend her to anyone interested in trying yoga therapy.”

Site Optimization Manager

Tracy Ring

“Caitlin is fantastic. I’ve gone to many of her classes, specifically those with a focus on healthy backs. I’ve worked with her as a therapist on issues I have with my neck and shoulders from work. She’s patient, attentive and offers focused one-on-one sessions. The exercises I’ve done really help me combat the negative effects of sitting at a desk all day, highly recommend working with this lovely and professional woman!!”

Senior Administrative Assistant

Aly

“Caitlin has helped me grow and learn a lot about myself. She helped me realize the strong power of breath when I was over stressed and unaware of my mental needs. Caitlin helped me focus my energy, both good and bad, on my breath. With every deep inhale and cleansing exhale, I felt my stress and anxiety lessen and lessen. Eight years later, my main mantra is to ‘just breathe.’ It has literally changed my life. Along with the power of breath, Caitlin has helped me keep a constant awareness of how I physically hold myself. Not only has my posture changed, but I have also become stronger and my confidence has increased. I recently began running and was having pain in my hip and side leg. Through working with Caitlin, my pain subsided. She put together an easy to follow yoga sequence that helped my muscles and ligaments heal. I fully trust in Caitlin as a yoga professional, and recommend her gentle way of teaching to anyone.”

Dental Hygienist & Photographer

Jade

“This program has been so amazing for my pain. In just one class, my neck and shoulder tension released more than it has in years. This program has been so instrumental in managing and controlling my stress. It’s so easy to be “on the hamster wheel”. I look forward to my yoga time and meditation and have noticed a huge difference in my pain level. My family has even noticed my calmer demeanor. I couldn’t believe how much my pain was linked to my stress.”

RDH