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This page contains the thoughts and experiences of those who have attended the events or undertaken treatment at Yorkshire Centre for Wellbeing in Harrogate. Select your area of interest from the menu above to read about peoples experiences.

Pilates

Coping with chronic pelvic pain - working with Samantha and Anne-Marie

Sitting comfortably typing this, I can hardly believe that, not long ago, sitting caused me such agony that my social life was almost at a standstill and I came close to giving up my job.

In October 2011 my hormones went berserk, I experienced severe bladder problems and the whole of my pelvic area became engulfed in pain to the extent that the highlight of my day was coming home from work and lying on my right hand side. The medical profession was unable to offer an explanation and I was told by my GP that the best I could ever hope for would be a 50% improvement. Being robbed of hope was the cruellest blow of all and without the prayerful support of some wonderful friends, I don’t know how I would have got through those dark days and months. My attempts to find a cure would fill a book. Suffice it to say, I found a gynaecologist who sorted out some of my problems, but the desperate pain remained.

I came across the book “A Headache in the Pelvis.” The authors of this book offered both an explanation (chronic tightening of the pelvic muscles) and treatment consisting of trigger point therapy, “paradoxical” relaxation and pelvic floor exercises. I felt they had the answer – only one problem, the treatment appeared to be available at just one clinic in the USA and was extremely expensive.

I was truly fortunate in finding Samantha Gillard-a wonderful physio in Harrogate experienced in pelvic floor trigger point therapy. She eased the pain significantly and gave me hope that a complete cure might be achievable. Following several treatment sessions, Samantha recommended Pilates. I was initially sceptical as to how useful this would be but, on my first visit to Anne-Marie, I discovered she had a copy of “A Headache in the Pelvis” which gave me confidence that she had some understanding of my problem and how it might be resolved. Nevertheless, I wondered whether, having dyspraxia, I would be able to cope with the poses and this has put me off attending exercise classes in the past. I need not have worried as there is no competitive element in the classes and I’ve been able to progress at my own pace. If a particular pose is too challenging at the present time, Anne-Marie is always able to offer an alternative.

Anne-Marie suggested Restorative Yoga in addition to Pilates. Having tried yoga about 30 years previously, I arrived at the class with little enthusiasm. Within minutes I realised this was a completely different style – I left feeling calm and relaxed and looking forward to my next class and have now been attending the classes for over a year. The pelvic floor exercises and the stretches done in both the yoga and Pilates classes have been invaluable in promoting healing and the yoga Nidra is an incredibly powerful tool for reducing stress, a major component in pelvic pain syndrome.

style Sheila in class

On the rare occasions I still experience any discomfort, I do the stretches and breathing exercises and now have the confidence to accept discomfort knowing it will pass.

I know that many women (and some men) have experienced excruciating pelvic pain for many years and I count myself really blessed to have access to Anne-Marie’s expert tuition and support.

Sheila Hirst

Anne-Marie says

Thank you to Sheila for sharing her experiences with us. It's encouraging for us all to know that there are natural ways of coping with pain, the important thing is to believe you will get better and get the right help.

The importance of pelvic floor exercises-Pilates and yoga for post natal recovery

Many of you will know we have been working closely with Samantha Gillard-the lead physiotherapist for men and womens pelvic health in the area.
The latest advice is that we all need to do our pelvic floor exercises daily to maintain a good core, a strong back, prevent stress incontinence and prolapse and as an essential part of ante and post natal care it is essential, however that the exercises are taught properly, as doing the exercises correctly is an art and poor technique can lead to the wrong recruitment of the muscles.

Laura has very kindly contributed the following which illustrates how essential it is for us to do our pelvic floor exercises;-

I wanted to share my positive experience in volunteering to be part of Samantha's PHD study on rectus diastase ( separation of the rectus muscle normally found in ante/post natal ladies but can happen to anyone who is obese or has had an abdominal injury or surgery).

Laura practising stability exercises on the ball in class

I've had 2 difficult pregnancies... with my first I had SPD (pelvic instability). In my last pregnancy I measured full term at 30 weeks with Polyhydramnios (too much amniotic fluid). This meant my stomach had expanded rapidly over a short amount of time. So with these problems, both the physios at the hospital and Samantha advised how important pelvic floor exercises are for me and to maintain them for the rest of my life in order to strengthen my core and to prevent future back pain.
Having just had a consultation with Samantha she was able to let me know that my core muscles were in good condition (this could be seen quite clearly on the scan) but also that my rectus diastase was almost completely recovered as my rectus muscle now only has a very small separation.
I've now started yoga with James, as well as my Pilates with Anne-Marie. Within a few weeks I have certainly seen a major difference and realise this is a lifestyle change I need to keep up to maintain my health.

Laura Mountain September 2014

The "Power of Pilates"

I've been doing Pilates with the excellent Yorkshire Centre for Wellbeing once a week for over 2 years after my chiropractor recommended it. I have been doing sport and exercise ever since I can remember and Anne-Marie's classes are some of the best I have attended. She works closely with each class of around 10 to make sure we are all working at our own level, as well as ensuring we use the correct technique, unlike many classes where 1 size fits all. In fact her persistence with correct technique is one of the many strengths and definitely pays dividends as you progress. In every class Anne-Marie will always test us by doing something differently and rewarding. She has also many other innovative pieces of equipment or ideas to bring to the class and you'll not find this sort of added value at any other of the local Pilates classes.

I used to have a weak sacro-iliac which really affected me after I did some sport. Now, I hardly need to see my chiropractor and have just completed the 2500 mile Great Divide Race. I could never have done that 2 years ago and over the 22 days, it took me to complete the race, I never once had a twinge or a complaint from my back. I'm totally amazed and totally converted to the power of Pilates. Pilates allows me to carry out my ambitions but has also given me a greater quality of life. After a big training session or a big race, I wake up the next morning with little or no back ache, it's been a revelation and allows me to take on and compete in some of the worlds hardest sports races. Pilates will also make you much more body aware which means you'll start sitting correctly at work or walking correctly. Anne-Marie works on a one to one basis to know your particular reason for doing Pilates and will constantly support you to achieve them.

Most people would think that cyclist generate most of their power from their legs. Well, a significant amount of back and core muscles are used to propel you along. The Great Divide race is a solo, self supported mountain bike race, which means you have to carry all your kit and this puts even more pressure on your back and core strength. Most sports training principles do not rely solely on just training in that one sport and advocate that you do additional types of activities to improve your performance. For me Pilates has significantly improved my performance with increases over the past 2 years being greater than the years before I took up Pilates.

Bruce Dinsmore
Sports Development Officer Cravern District Council

Pilates and sacroiliac pain
Suffering from increasingly frequent bouts of sacroiliac and coccyx pain, I tried various methods to alleviate the problem. Physiotherapy and osteopathy provided short-term relief. I also tried Pilates classes at my local gym. However the format of the large group with the teacher standing at the front, meant that I developed poor technique in the exercises.

Since joining the Pilates classes I have been learning how to do the exercises properly and have been improving my posture, abdominal tone and "core strength". As a result, I have not had a recurrence of my low back pain.

Dr. Jo Huxley

Pilates and Recovery after back surgery - a long term solution

Twenty years ago I was crippled with sciatica after numerous treatments, including physiotherapy I was referred by an orthopaedic surgeon for a laminectomy. Twenty years ago this was a more complex operation and the post operative treatment was bed rest for 10 days, 2 weeks in hospital and I was also fitted with a corset.
After sometime, I realised that I needed to do some exercise and take matters in to my own hands but I felt a gym was not suitable as I still felt vulnerable and wanted specialist help. Due to the enforced inactivity I felt weak and lacking in confidence. So nineteen years ago I began specialist back care classes with Anne-Marie (now known as Power Pilates). The classes gave me back my strength and confidence. I have found the different exercises, techniques and advice most helpful and beneficial and I believe that without this help my back problems could have reoccured and while there will always be some weakness I feel strong, healthy and able to lead an active life.
I was also determined I was not going to return to the pre operative state so I have always maintained regular classes (only missing for holidays or illness) and in fact I dare not stop now!
Sue Daley

Anne-Marie says:
Sue's experience is testimony to to the importance of taking responsibility and been committed to the treatment strategy. After nearly 20 years of attendance Sue has managed her back situation so well due to her determination and commitment. Unfortunately we see all to often, an initial burst of enthusiasm and then a drop off after the first few weeks, or at the first hurdle. Pilates and yoga do work - they are long term lasting solutions. So please do aim to stay on track with daily practice and regular attendance at class so we can supervise you and check you are not picking up poor habits, as poor technique or misalignment can in fact make things worse.

Pilates for the rehabilitation of a stroke

“Ihad a Stroke in April 2006 which left me paralyzed down the whole of the left side which left me with terrible posture and very unbalanced and standing with a definite lean and weakness to my left side. Anne-Marie and Pilates have changed all that. As I have become aware of my “core” my balance, posture, and movement have all improved significantly.

I am 70 years old and Pilates has become a way of life for me and changed and helped me enormously. I used to play tennis and hockey to County level and while my age is the stumbling block now I feel able to keep up with the other class members now!!! (In my dreams!)

I recommend Pilates to anyone who wants to stay young and supple as possible”.

Sue Stewart

Anne-Marie says:
Thank you to Sue for this. Sue has done amazingly well, mainly due to her determination, but also regular attendance - twice a week at class - and a willingness to try other things such as MBT’s, the Vibration Plate, the Physioacoustic chair and other natural therapies.

Just to give one example of her progress; Sue can now do the full plank on the core stability ball - a very challenging exercise for anyone, but fantastic for someone who has had a stroke and still has some paralysis.

Pilates for PSD ( pelvic instability)

I started Pilates with Anne-Marie in March 2010 from advice given by my physiotherapist. During my first pregnancy I suffered from a condition known as SPD (pelvic instability). I had never heard of it and had been fit, well and active playing a variety of sports before my pregnancy. Soon it became apparent that it was quite frankly awful. My mobility deteriorated throughout the pregnancy and I was in a lot of pain. After the birth the condition did not go away and life with a new born became extremely difficult. I am still unsure how I got through the first year.
The physiotherapist -Jenny that I started seeing was very helpful from day one, and it was Jenny who advised me to attend a Pilates class to support my rehabilitation. I was desperate and in a very lonely place, especially as to have the condition as seriously as I had was unusual. I was frightened.
And so my life with Pilates began. I had lost my faith in recovery but I knew somehow I had to provide a family life for my husband and daughter that involved a healthy and fit me.
I attended lessons weekly, (and still do) I listened to Anne-Marie and followed religiously my exercise regime. 5 times a day for the first year and now 2-3 times set by my physiotherapist and supported by Anne-Marie.
How did I do it? I have a support network of knowledgable teachers and a family that keep me going. I am also a bit stubborn, and was determined to get well. I am now a firm believer in Pilates, I can see what dedication and rehabilitation can do if you are prepared to put the work in and follow the advice.

I won’t say its easy but for every heel peel and clam ( Pilates exercises) the rewards have been worth it. I have a better understanding of how my body works and what is needed to get it back on track. Pilates has given me my life and faith back and for that I am truly grateful.

Carolyn Easton February 2011

Pilates ante and postnatal for PSD

Studies show that 80% of pregnant women suffer from back and pelvic pain and 70% suffer with stress incontinence, but only 15% of women do the recommended amount of exercise ante and post natally.

Pubic symphsis disorder (PSD) is a condition that can occur in some pregnancies it is painful and debilitating as in extreme cases the pelvis can separate.

As the testimonial below illustrates one of the most important things you can do to help yourself is clinical Pilates.

Carolyn had a severe case of PSD in her first pregnancy on the advice of her specialist physiotherapist she attended Pilates classes with us post natally, it was a long haul to full recovery please see the first part of her account in the Pilates section of the website testimonial page the link is at tht top of the page.

style

Carolyn practising the clam in the studio

Part 2

After two years of physiotherapy and attending weekly Pilates classes with Anne-Marie I felt ready to try for another child.
I was extremely anxious, that the PSD I had suffered that had been so debilitating during and after my first pregnancy would flare up.

But I knew it would be a challenge that was worth taking. I felt confident that I was surrounded by a strong team that could support me both mentally and physically. The variety of Pilates exercises and discipline required to keep my core strong was deeply embedded in my mind and so the journey of my second pregnancy began.
Throughout the pregnancy I continued to attend Pilates classes on a weekly basis and practised a variety of exercises daily. As I the baby got bigger the exercises were easily adapted to accommodate this fact. All the time I felt at ease being guided by the experts. I was able to lift my first child and continue to work as a teacher up to 36 weeks pregnant. My baby arrived 3 weeks early, I had only just gone on maternity leave!
James was born six months ago. After the birth I waited until I was advised by my physiotherapist that it was safe to return to classes, again Anne-Marie was very mindful of adapting the exercises in the post-natal period. I am 100% certain that all the time spent working on my core over the past two years was crucial in the successful management of the PSD during my second pregnancy.
I now look forward to the next part of my life, being in control of my body and becoming stronger physically.
I am delighted that I have begun to start the sports I played before the PSD began and am determined to continue on this path that three years ago I would have thought impossible.