I began to take pilates lessons in February of 2008 when I was diagnosed with moderate to severe hip arthritis. My hips were giving me a great deal of pain on a daily basis. But, I was reluctant to accept hip replacement surgery as my only option. I had known Cheryl Ramette from interactions at our workplace and knew that she taught pilates. For quite some time, I had told myself that I needed to take pilates lessons. But, this hip arthritis diagnosis moved me to take action. I contacted Cheryl and signed up for a few private lessons. Then I moved on to a pattern of two group mat and reformer lessons a week.
Then, on 9/9/08, I experienced a serious fall caused by a spontaneous break of my right femur. The process of my femur breaking caused me to land on my left arm. My left ulna then broke in five places and my left radial head was demolished. I was hospitalized (of course) and had two surgeries to repair my broken bones. Of course, I had to take a break in my pilates lessons.
However, I was back to Pacific Northwest Pilates and working with Cheryl in private lessons by December of 2008. For a month, we worked together to assess my current situation and awaken my sleepy muscles. By January I was strong enough to begin participating in group mat and reformer classes. I have continued those since that time. I have also involved myself in a great deal of water therapy.
By now (10/31/09) all my bones are healed; I can walk without a limp; my arm has more range of motion and strength than my surgeon thought was possible. My arm injuries were actually more serious and required more intricate reconstructive surgery than did my leg. My surgeon is amazed at my recovery.
And, my original goal of strengthening my hip and core muscles, so I could avoid (or postpone) replacement hip surgery, has been achieved. It is VERY rare for me to experience any hip pain.
And, this seems very significant in light of the intervening injuries I sustained and overcame!
I attribute all of this to my work with Cheryl and pilates. Gradually, she and I have seen my muscles become stronger; my endurance and strength have increased tremendously.
Thank Goodness for pilates!
Thanks, Carol
