Vol. 14 / Issue 03 - Filed Spring 2026
Clinical
Non-
Invasive
Restoration.
Scoliosis: Before-after: p < .0002
Rotator Cuff Syndrome: p < 0.004
Piriformis Syndrome: 79% > 50%
Bone Mineral Density:
Femur: p < 0.0002
Hip: p < 0.001
Spine: p < 0.002
Four decades of peer-reviewed work in neuro-muscular realignment. Loren Fishman, MD, translates the ancient geometry of yoga into surgical-grade precision for chronic back, nerve, and orthopedic pain.
P-Value below 0.05 is statiscally significant
Our longitudinal studies demonstrate statistical significance in pain reduction through yoga-based protocols and sometimes temporary medications.
¶ 02 — Methodology
The Evidence
Base.
01
Idiopathic Scoliosis
Without botulinum: ~3.5%/month improvement.
With botulinum: 12° improvement in 3 weeks.
Biometric analysis:
Strengthening the weaker (convex) side of lumbar and thoracic scoliosis equalizes the forces on the spine, bringing it back to vertical.
02
Osteoporosis
The daily, no-medicine Intervention
A study of 741 patients confirmed that consistently practicing a 12-minute daily yoga sequence raised bone mineral density in 83% of patients average age of 68.3.
03
Rotator Cuff Syndrome
The 2-Minute Intervention
A study of 168 patients confirmed that the triangular forearm support, derived from the Iyengar headstand, completely cured or relieved more than 50% of the pain and doubled the range of motion in most patients with rotator cuff syndrome.
In 3-5 year followup, patients had improved further.
Efficacy
1 minute (believe it or not!)
Daily for only 2-3 weeks
168
Subjects
Biometric Analysis
The maneuver teaches use of a different, uninjured muscle in abduction and flexion. The body quickly adopts it and uses it from that point on.
Methodology
“The intersection of medicine, orthopedics and Iyengar Hatha yoga creates a unique approach to some conditions that might otherwise require toxic medicines or surgery.”
Conclusion
Patients previously scheduled for discectomies, fusions, invasive shoulder surgery or Dangerous life-long medications showed significant improvement or cure with Dr. Fishman’s Method.
¶ 03 — Application
The Protocol.
01
Physical Exam and History
We allocate one hour to each new patient. We have access to all medical technological advances and use whatever’s needed to arrive at a diagnosis.
02
Taking Care
Treatment may indicate (optional) medications, but will always be ‘hands on.’ Dr. Fishman and the staff have anywhere from 10 – 40+ years of experience. Our methods come from published studies whenever possible.
03
Follow-up
Whether immediately after treatment, or years later, we want to hear from you and see if you are improved. Many of our patients have been with us for decades, treating their various problems as they arise.
For example, we have found that sustained 40-second holds in Tree, Triangle, and Side-Plank generate improved bone mineral density for at least 7 years.
04
Studies
We are almost always engaged in 2 or more studies. Participation is always free. Inquire at “Sciatica.org” under “Research.”
¶ 04 — The Investigator
A physician who studied yoga before he studied medicine.
Trained at Oxford on a University Scholarship and now on the staff at Columbia’s College of Physicians and Surgeons — but his most formative education was before medical school, in Pune, India, studying directly under B.K.S. Iyengar.
Today he leads Manhattan Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation and publishes the clinical research that brings yoga from the studio into modern medicine.
Read the full biography
Loren Fishman, MD, B. Phil.,(oxon.) is in the Department of Rehabilitative and Regenerative medicine at Columbia University Medical School. After earning an advanced degree from Oxford University, he spent one year with Mr. B.K.S. Iyengar in Pune. He has taught yoga and has done yoga daily ever since, teaching it through medical school and using it with patients for many conditions including low back pain, arthritis, osteoporosis, scoliosis, rotator cuff and piriformis syndromes. He has written over 100 papers and 14 books, many of which feature Yoga.
Short “Yoga CV”
Dr. Fishman’s research demonstrates the value of yoga to be equal or greater than invasive technologies. He recently finished an FDA-approved International study, “Yoga and botulinum for adolescent scoliosis,” which averaged a 12-degree improvement in 3 weeks. He also just completed a study refining the use of yoga for osteoporosis, finding which poses help which bones. He often integrates yoga with medicine in his patient care and in his studies. He also works for world peace and has the Substack “The End of the War Age.”
Dr. Fishman lives with his wife in New York City and has two granddaughters in California.
Pull Quote / Editorial
"Yoga and medicine, used both separately and together, have tremendous healing benefits — and can minimize pain and disability."
— Dr. Loren Fishman, MD / Manhattan PM&R
¶ 05 — Table of Contents
What's inside this
volume.
¶ 06 — Subscribe
Letters from
the practice.
New research, upcoming workshops, and pose corrections — delivered occasionally, never carelessly.