Jason Lee’s latest article on Clinical Pilates garnered huge interest from our members, with a few questions asked. So, Jason has kindly taken the time to answer them.
Q. Mike: Hi. I am a 69-year-old male with arthritis in my lower back and knees. I don’t have access to Pilates. What exercises can you recommend?
A. Mike, there are a range of exercises that could help with improving your flexibility and strength. These exercises should focus on improving your lower limb strength, such as your gluts, quadriceps, hamstrings and calves, without irritating your arthritis. Exercises such as bridges or heel raises may help. I would recommend seeing a physiotherapist to ensure that these exercises are safe and suitable depending on your health and fitness.
Q. Kate: Do you know of any teachers in the southern highlands of NSW? Thank you.
A. Kate, feel free to look at the Australian Physiotherapy Association website. While on there you can use the ‘Find a physio’ section to find a physiotherapist near you.
Q. Anne: Dear Jason, I read your article on Clinical Pilates. I am 77 and have had two lots of spinal surgery. Firstly, I had a laminectomy and then a spinal fusion. I am rather puzzled by the term ‘Clinical Pilates’. What is the difference [to normal Pilates] please? Would it be suitable for me considering my age and the surgery? I live on the Central Coast of NSW. Do you know of any such places located on the Central Coast of NSW?
A. Anne, Clinical Pilates would definitely be most appropriate for you. I see a number of patients with a similar history to yours. Given your history with spinal surgery it is important that you are provided with a Clinical Pilates program from a professional who can give specific and safe Pilates exercises. To find your nearest physiotherapist, feel free to look at the Australian Physiotherapy Association website. While on there you can use the ‘Find a physio’ section to find a physiotherapist near you.
Q. Ann: Hi Jason, I have a tendency to lose my balance and fall. I would like to know if Clinical Pilates can help me to overcome that. I also suffer from bouts of erratic vertigo but my falls were not as a result of my vertigo. I would like to know whether there are Pilates sessions that are free or have special discounts for pensioners. Where are these Pilates sessions held in South East Sydney? Thank you for your help.
A. Ann, a combination of Clinical Pilates exercises may assist with balance and falls. It is important to speak to your GP as well to identify if there is anything specifically causing your loss of balance. Feel free to read a previous article on Falls and Balance. With regards to discounts, please contact your nearest physiotherapist and ask. I know that some clinics offer discounts to pensioners.
Q. Sharon: I live in the north side of Brisbane. I have had rheumatoid arthritis for 3.5 years, and although I’m on methotrexate and prednisolone, I still suffer joint discomfort, particularly in the morning. Can you see any benefit in my doing Pilates? I like walking but have problems in my toes both feet. My doctor suggested yoga but I understand this principle involves a lot of floor exercises. Thanks in advance for any information you can give me.
A. Sharon, I think an exercise program that you enjoy without irritating your toes and feet is a great idea. The benefit of Clinical Pilates is that by using the equipment, such as a reformer or trapeze table, less body weight will be put on your lower limb. There are some exercises in Clinical Pilates that are floor based, but a physiotherapist will be able to identify which exercises to avoid.
Q. Roena: I read an article by Jason Lee (Physiotherapist) about Clinical Pilates. I suffer from lower back pain and bad posture. I think Clinical Pilates could help me. Could you recommend a physiotherapist I could go to help with my problem? I live in Sydney NSW.
A. Roena, feel free to look at the Australian Physiotherapy Association website. There, you can use the ‘Find a physio’ section to find a physiotherapist near you.
