Article: Bear in mind that there are different kinds of yoga, ranging from fairly gentle and less challenging to vigorous and very challenging. Most yoga taught in the United States is a form of hatha yoga, which involves the use of classic poses along with controlled breathing. For beginners, hatha yoga may be a little too difficult unless you find classes tailored to total newbies. Instead, Iyengar yoga (also widely practiced in the U.S.) emphasizes precise physical alignment and makes extensive use of bolsters, blocks or blankets to help you move easily into each pose. Iyengar yoga is great for learning about proper alignment and modifications. Perhaps the most vigorous form of yoga is called ashtanga, as it involves assuming a series of postures called sun salutations in rapid, flowing movements. All the classic and modified poses in yoga challenge multiple muscle groups and joints simultaneously, so none isolate just the shoulders. Having said that, some are more challenging or stretch the shoulders to a greater extent than others. Ask your yoga instructor about the poses best suited to strengthening or stretching the shoulders and then focus on them later at home. Make sure you understand the alignment before trying to replicate postures at home while unsupervised, otherwise injuries might result. There are many yoga poses (almost all with unusual names!), so decide if you want to primarily stretch your shoulder muscles or strengthen them. If stretching is more your desire, then pay attention to where your pain is located, such as if it is in the front, side, back, or top of your shoulder area. Research poses on the internet to become familiar with them before you join a class. Yoga poses that primarily stretch the shoulders include Bow, Camel, Cow Face, Extended Puppy, Gate and High Lunge. Yoga poses that primarily strengthen the shoulder include the Dolphin, Half Frog, Cat, Cobra, Firefly, Handstand, Scale and Side Plank. Your shoulder pain may not only involve your shoulder joint and related muscles. Additionally, your neck and mid-back may also be contributing factors, so don't forget to do some yoga poses tailored for these areas also. For example, the levator scapulae muscles attach your shoulder blades to your upper neck and are a common source of pain due to "stress neck" and habitual postures such as computer work and driving a car. Another example is the rhomboid muscles between your shoulder blades, which are commonly strained by slouching. Yoga postures great for your neck and mid-back include the Warrior, Supported Shoulderstand, Revolved Triangle, Plow and Noose, among others. It's important not to try to attain poses or postures if they increase your shoulder pain. Some muscle ache or discomfort from a good stretch is likely okay, but sharp and shooting pains are never a good sign and an indication you should stop and take a break. Find a way to modify the pose or consult your doctor. Yoga may certainly help with your mild-to-moderate shoulder pain, but it's ability to reduce stress, increase overall muscle flexibility and strength, lower heart rate and blood pressure, and relieve anxiety, depression and insomnia are all proven by studies. As such, yoga is not just a short-term fix for shoulder pain, but rather as a long-term lifestyle commitment to better your health and well-being. Realize that yoga in its full form combines physical poses, breathing exercises, meditation and a distinct philosophy regarding nutrition and lifestyle choices. Remember that practicing yoga should not replace conventional medical care when it comes to musculoskeletal injuries or other health conditions.
Question: What is a summary of what this article is about?
Pick the most appropriate yoga class. Ask the instructor about the best poses for the shoulders. Don't forget about your neck and mid-back. Continue with yoga for relaxation and injury prevention.

You'll need to follow your doctor's recommendations following treatment. Be prompt and consistent when checking in with your primary physician. You'll need to work together to create target goals for your blood pressure. Usually, you're goal will be to get your blood pressure to less than 140/90. Make sure you consume no more than 2,000mg of sodium a day. Too much sodium can increase your blood pressure and put you at risk for heart attack and stroke. Make sure you're eating fresh fruits and vegetables and avoiding processed foods. These items can high high sodium contents. Refrain from buying canned goods, since they contain salt in order to preserve the color and to keep the food fresh. If you do purchase canned goods, look for low-sodium or no-salt options. Although activity will be limited until you are out of the hospital, you can resume normal activities and exercise once your blood pressure has stabilized. You can do aerobic (cardio), resistance or weight training, and isometric resistance training. These all work to decrease diastolic and systolic blood pressure. Systolic blood pressure is pressure measuring when your heart contracts while diastolic blood pressure measures the pressure when your heart rests between beats. Adults should exercise a total of 2 hours and 30 minutes a week, according to the Surgeon General. Try to do a moderate-intensity exercise like walking, biking or swimming. If you're obese, your arteries have to work harder to supply your body with blood which raises your blood pressure. Determine your Body Mass Index (BMI) using an online calculator. According to the Centers for Disease Control, if you have a BMI of 30 or higher, you're considered obese. Work to lose weight and reduce your BMI to within the range of 25 and 30. Reduce your caloric intake and exercise regularly. This is the safest way to lose weight. Smoking decreases the amount of oxygen going to your heart, increases your blood pressure and heart rate, increases blood clotting, and damages cells that line your coronary arteries and other blood vessels. If you are a current smoker, you are more prone to high blood pressure, which could possibly lead to malignant hypertension. If you're having difficulty quitting or cutting back, talk with your doctor. Your doctor may be able to offer supplemental medications or counseling to aid in quitting.
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One-sentence summary --
Work with your doctor. Maintain a low sodium diet. Exercise to improve your heart function. Lose weight, if you are obese. Stop smoking.