How to Handle Injuries During a Yoga Class

As a yoga teacher, have you ever wondered what you would do if a student got hurt in the middle of class? What if someone suddenly feels a sharp pain in their shoulder or traps a nerve, unable to continue? These situations can feel daunting, but they’re also opportunities to grow in your role as a teacher. Let’s explore how to approach these moments with calmness, professionalism, and care.

I’ll start with a story from my own experience, a moment that threw me off my flow but ultimately taught me a lot. Midway through a gentle yoga class, a student started bleeding from his nose. Now, if you’ve ever led a yoga flow, you’ll understand—blood is the last thing you want to see in an environment meant to exude peace and serenity. I noticed the student trying to quietly handle it, but the situation called for my attention. The class paused, and I stepped in to help.

Here’s what I learned: the key is not just to support the injured student but also to keep the rest of the class grounded and engaged. Let’s break this down step by step.

1. Approach the Injured Student

Start by gently checking in with the injured person. Move calmly (even if your heart is racing) and assess the situation. In minor cases like a bloody nose, offer assistance—a tissue, a reassuring word, a glass of water. If the student feels embarrassed, as mine did, assure them that these things happen and it’s not their fault. In my case, the student felt self-conscious, as though he had done something wrong, but I reminded him—accidents happen, and it wasn’t a reflection of his practice.

Before they leave the room, ask a few quick but important questions: Are they feeling dizzy? Lightheaded? Do they need help getting to the bathroom or sitting down somewhere safe? If so, let the class know you’ll step out for a moment and guide the student to a comfortable space. Your priority is to ensure they feel cared for and safe.

2. Address the Class

Meanwhile, the rest of the class is likely sitting in awkward silence, unsure of how to proceed. This is where your ability to command the room comes into play. Let the class know what’s happening, and keep them engaged with gentle movements. Offer a few simple poses they can do independently—Child’s Pose, Happy Baby, or even a few Sun Salutations for a more dynamic class. Giving them something to focus on helps release the tension in the room and keeps the energy flowing while you tend to the situation.

3. Handling More Serious Injuries

If the injury is more serious, such as a sprained ankle or if someone faints, the response will require more immediate attention. Pause the class to assess the severity of the situation. If necessary, end the session early and ensure the injured student receives the care they need. These moments can feel overwhelming, especially if you’re a newer teacher. The key is to stay calm and remember that you can't control everything—life happens, even in yoga class. Use this as an opportunity to practice acceptance and take charge of the situation.

Embrace the Learning Experience

Injuries, no matter how minor or major, are never ideal. But they are part of the journey as a yoga instructor. These moments teach you how to adapt, how to care for your students beyond the mat, and how to lead with confidence, even in unexpected situations.

If you experience something like this, don’t be discouraged if the injured student doesn’t return to your class—it’s likely nothing to do with you or the quality of your teaching. People have their own reasons, and it’s important not to take it personally. Instead, focus on how you handled the situation and what you learned.

Navigating injuries during a yoga class might feel intimidating, but it’s a chance to show your students that you care about their well-being. Approach these situations with poise, empathy, and a willingness to adapt. Over time, you’ll build confidence in handling the unexpected, becoming not just a yoga teacher but a true guide for your students—on and off the mat.