In last week I have been approached by three yoga students who regularly take my group classes about pain they have been experiencing. This is an incredibly common occurrence in my professional life.

Erin, I’m experiencing pain in my shoulder.

Erin, my hip feels weird when I’m in Half Pigeon.

I am always happy to discuss these matters with a student before or after a class. Especially if pain or discomfort appears or is increased during a specific yoga shape, I appreciate when a student takes the time to experiment with me to find ways to do the shape with less discomfort.

However, the time I spend with a student when it comes to pain or discomfort is only through my lens as a yoga teacher and personal trainer. I am not a physical therapist. I am not a medical doctor or nurse. I am not an occupational therapist. My final class in a formal education setting probably involved me rolling around on the floor to some film soundtrack as a part of my final piece of choreography in college.

Sure, I see a lot of bodies move through space every day at work. Sure, I have a pretty decent understanding of anatomy, physiology, and kinesiology. But I also came very close to flunking the one anatomy class I took in college. My role as a yoga teacher and personal trainer provides me with a relatively narrow scrope to work from. Even though I have developed trust and rapport with countless students throughout the years, it’s important that I stand firm in what I can and cannot do offer my students.

When a student seeks support that goes beyond my role as a yoga teacher or personal trainer I instantly respond with “I don’t know” or “That’s outside my scope of practice”. Plus, depending on the situation, I often tack on “I might have an external recommendation or resource if you’re interested”.

Here’s some examples:

Scenario: A student comes to me with a nagging knee issue.
Guidance: I invite them to see their primary health care provider and ask about physical therapy. I then recommend one or two physical therapists in the area.
Scenario: A student wants to learn more Kriya Yoga (or insert any style of yoga that I don’t teach).
Guidance: I encourage them to seek out classes, workshops, and seminars on that style of yoga. And, if I’m unfamiliar with teachers from a certain style of yoga, I’ll ask around and do my own research to provide the student with details at a later time.
Scenario: A student is having a hard time managing their emotions during their practice and wants to express their personal challenges with me after a class.
Guidance: I offer a friendly ear while keeping the conversation short and invite the student to seek out a therapist or counselor. I encourage them to seek out resources that might be available through their school or employer.

Of course my role and job as a yoga teacher and personal trainer does not mean I have to turn into an alternative for Google or the Yellow Pages (this reference is definitely dating me). However, because I have developed a trust with a large community of yoga and fitness students, I do feel a responsibility to have recommendations and resources available for those who are seeking such information.

I cannot provide my students with answers to all their questions. I should not be expected to do so! And, because the role of the yoga teacher can oddly carry so much weight and value for some students, I encourage all yoga teachers to have a just a few resources in their back pocket for when a student is looking for answers for something that is outside your scope of practice.

Lastly, and most importantly, empower yourself with these three beautiful words:

I DON’T KNOW!