To: K-list
Recieved: 2003/01/06 12:15
Subject: [K-list] Re: Physical Therapy
From: Nina <murrkis AT_NOSPAM yahoo.com>
On 2003/01/06 12:15, Nina <murrkis AT_NOSPAM yahoo.com> posted thus to the K-list:
Hi, Cambeie/Holly2,
Thanks for your letter. It prompted me to do some internet googling
on fibromyalgia and pilates. Here is a one of the best links I found
regarding how to approach teaching pilates to folks w/ fibromyalgia:
http://www.fit-pro.com/editorial2.asp?ID=120
Within this article is a list of general guidelines useful when
working with FMS clients. With slight alterations to grammar, the
guidelines could be equally applicable to for FMS clients approaching
any exercise program. While honoring that you expressed similar
awareness in your letter, I share the guidelines, as they link to a
past discussion this list has had about 'whether or not to practice
yoga (of any style)':
1. Allow the client to set the pace once she has become comfortable
with the workout.
2. The program should hinge on slow, even progression since, with
FMS, the muscles take longer to develop and are more likely to cramp
and suffer minor injuries.
3. Do not hold positions for long periods as this may induce intense
burning and/or spasms.
4. Do not speed up the workout to reach an intense aerobic level,
which may make the client feel frantic; stress is widely accepted as
a trigger.
5. Emphasize quality of movement and correct alignment of the joints
to prevent muscle spasms or injuries; the fundamental principles of
movement are particularly important when the client feels a fog in
the brain, because the mind/body connection will be weaker. You will
know your client is in this state when you greet them with, "Hello!
How are you?" and they respond with a blank stare.
6. Tailor the workout to the client's needs that day, and be flexible
to change what you had planned if the client is not feeling well. FMS
clients should endeavor to work out even though they may not feel
100%. If the fibromyalgia is too active, they may be forced to cancel
the appointment and rest.
7. Injured muscles take considerably longer to heal and must be taken
into account when planning the workout.
8. FMS clients who are only beginning to exercise in general will
feel worse in the beginning three to five workouts, so be gentle.
9. Always remember that the client is in pain and feels weak on the
days the syndrome is active, so be empathetic, but don't "baby" them.
Some clients may feel that they can easily do the advanced workout
when they are well but can only work at an intermediate level when
the FMS is active.
10. Stay positive and help the client understand it is a fact of life
for her, and as the instructor, you will help manage the syndrome via
the Pilates workout.
It might be worth your time to do some Google searches on pilates and
FMS, or simply pilates, to find exercises you think are attractive
and well-suited to your condition. That's the important thing -
finding something you find so attractive and motivating that it will
keep you going back for more.
If Pilates doesn't work for you, it might be good to check out other
movement forms that stress alignment but do not tax the heart or
nervous system.
For instance, you may be able to find someone local to you who offers
therapeutic yoga classes for folks with conditions such as MS or for
back care. I have found that such classes are more able to work with
folks who have challenges to their energy and physical mobility.
Best of luck,
Nina
--- In Kundalini-Gateway AT_NOSPAM yahoogroups.com, "HSV & AAL" <riga21 AT_NOSPAM e...>
wrote:
> I have Fibromyalgia, am overweight, have horribly cardiovascular
> health, and live a sedentary life-style. I'm in a terrible state
> of physical condition due completely to my own lack of motivation,
> frustration, and fear. I rarely leave the house, except to go to
> physical therapy and the doctor's office.
<snip>
> Now, here's my question. Has anyone tried pilates for any
> length of time and how well does it work? I've been hearing
> a lot about it lately. What I really locked onto is that it
> supposedly retrains your muscles and body to move and work
> in the proper way. After suffering for over a decade with
> Fibromyalgia and pain, I'm certain I've learned a LOT of bad
> habits with movement.
>
> The thing is, I need something for the very lowest level
> beginner because I really can't do very much. (Walking to
> the kitchen and back sometimes leaves me out of breath) One
> or two exercises to work on would probably be all I would need
> for a while. And I don't have any money at the moment to buy
> any equipment or videos (though I'll have tax money at the
> end of the month), so I was wondering if maybe someone knows
> a website with pictures that might have just a couple of very
> basic beginner stretches/exercises.
>
> All information is welcome.
>
> Cambeie/Holly2
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