Pilates After Surgery

Pre And Post-Operation Strengthening

An excerpt from Pilates Central

Pilates is often recommended by doctors, physiotherapists and osteopaths as a way either to strengthen key muscles before surgery or to build them back up again after it.

When surgery is inevitable, it's best to be prepared. 'The stronger you are before an operation, the better you will endure it and shorter the rehabilitation is going to be,' says Peter Ottevanger, head teacher of Pilates Central.

After an operation, Pilates is a gentle, low-impact way to regain lost muscle tone and strength, at a time when, for example, visiting a gym and attempting a full workout could involve too much exertion too soon.

Pilates can also help improve the mental state of a recovering patient, by helping to keep the mind relaxed and focused.

'It is wonderful for injuries,' says Joan Bakewell, the writer, broadcaster and Pilates devotee. Indeed, Pilates is frequently used in the treatment of, for example, car accident injuries, such as whiplash. Exercises can be tailored to focus precisely on the injured area, providing both the stimulation and support for a quick recovery.

Meanwhile, many people with joint and back complaints claim that Pilates has helped them avoid surgery altogether.

Before starting any exercise programme while you are in pain or ill, however, please ask the advice of your doctor.

Pilates Post Hip Surgery

A Testimonial From Nancy

To make a long story short, in Dec 2002, I had a total right knee replacement and thought everything would be fine. In June 2003, I began to experience sciatica in my left leg. I thought I pulled a muscle, overstretched, or simply overworked my leg. I was wrong. The pain worsened, and in April 2006, I began Pilates Reformer classes. I loved the reformer instantly, but was experiencing pain when I used the leg straps. My legs weren’t the same length, certain moves were painful and walking with a limp was noticeable. I was teaching yoga by this time and was concerned that something was seriously wrong.

After seeing a few doctors, it was determined that I had degenerative arthritis and what had happened to my right knee was happening at a rapid rate to my left hip. I was 52 years old and looking at having another total joint replacement. After discussions with my husband Gerry and my 3 kids, we decided as a family that although it would be inconvenient for everyone, I would have the surgery in July 2006.

My doctor at Jefferson believed that I could try anything after the surgery and if it worked, fine. If not, try it again a week later. After 2 days in the hospital and minimally invasive total hip replacement, I left Jeff on crutches and decided to rehab my new hip with Pilates. My physical therapist didn’t know about yoga or Pilates, so I called Diane at PC2 and she suggested that I get back into my 3 day a week reformer routine only after I had at least 2 private sessions, to see what I could do. I met with Gerlinde twice privately, and began reformer classes three times a week in September, 2006. I never saw the physical therapist again. Gerlinde aligned my leg properly until muscle memory and overall strength kicked in. My doctor was so impressed with my rehab that he released me from his care six months ahead of schedule.

I credit my yoga with enabling me to get through the emotional aspects of the surgery, but credit Pilates with my success in recovering physically. Since my surgery in July 2006, I have resumed and expanded my yoga teaching to include Pre Natal yoga, Yoga for Adults with Developmental Disabilities, Senior and Gentle Yoga and have become certified to teach Pilates Reformer and look forward to pursuing the Pilates Certification for the next level. I believe that having degenerative arthritis has made me a better teacher as when a person tells me that they are in pain, I can honestly say that “I know how you feel.”

Someone told me how impressed they were that I was able to do so much with ‘my limitations’. My reply was simply that I don’t feel I have limitations, just challenges. Everyone faces challenges, some more difficult than others, just as everyone comes into a class with their own issues. How we deal with these challenges and issues are what makes us unique.