How Pilates Helped Me
I am a certified (Balanced Body) Pilates instructor as well as group fitness instructor. A fall led to my needing hip surgery to repair a labral tear--also found out that I had a congenital bony structural issue. I needed two surgeries ten months apart (the first wasn't correctly done). I was able to use my knowledge of the pelvis--anatomy, musculature, exercises--to rehabilitate myself when traditional physical therapy couldn't provide what I needed.
How I Did My Training
I followed my surgeons' movement guidelines, not performing anything outside ranges of motion within given timelines. However, whenever I was given the freedom for certain types of movement--rolling up and down through my lumbar spine being key--I started a light Pilates program 4 days a week. As soon as I was given the go-ahead to perform hip external rotation, I added that in, since I'm aware that those muscles quickly atrophy during hip injury. Re-establishing stability around my pelvis and lower back was really important in recovering my injury.
I spent three months on crutches after my second hip surgery, and I'm still regaining some of my strength (the surgery was 10 months ago) but my surgeon tells me that I'm recovering ahead of schedule. It's only when I perform activities involving muscular endurance that I notice the difference between my two legs.
This whole experience has inspired me to take a more rehab focus with my Pilates business.
What I'd Do Differently
- Next time, I'll trust my instinct. I received advice from several professionals along the way that just didn't feel right, and/or went against what I know from my training. Some of that advice, after my first surgery, ended up further exacerbating my problem. If something doesn't feel right... it just might not be right.
