pilates... Any good for me?

tjt6768
tjt6768 Member Posts: 12,170
edited 10. Aug 2014, 13:14 in Living with Arthritis archive
I am thinking of trying a short course of pilates for my core strength etc.
I have oa in my knees, lower spine and according to the rheumy, my neck too. I have ra in a few joints including elbows. Osteoporosis in my left hip and spine. Partial Carpal Tunnel in both wrists. .

Any advice would be appreciated. .
Thanks:D
e050.gifMe-Tony
n035.gifRa-1996 -2013 RIP...
k040.gif
Cleo - 1996 to 2011. RIP

Comments

  • stickywicket
    stickywicket Member Posts: 27,764
    edited 30. Nov -1, 00:00
    Good for you, Ton :D . AC recommend pilates but, as to how suitable it is for any individual, I guess you can only explain your situation to the tutor and take advise from him / her. Good luck :D
    If at first you don't succeed, then skydiving definitely isn't for you.
    Steven Wright
  • tjt6768
    tjt6768 Member Posts: 12,170
    edited 30. Nov -1, 00:00
    Thank you your stickyness :D
    I emailed the place and explained my ailments. They said that they could be able to help. I might arrange to go see them face to face. I think it's about £45 for a five week course. And I think I can claim it back through the hospital fund. If so I can't see that giving it a try could do much harm.
    e050.gifMe-Tony
    n035.gifRa-1996 -2013 RIP...
    k040.gif
    Cleo - 1996 to 2011. RIP
  • frogmella
    frogmella Member Posts: 1,111
    edited 30. Nov -1, 00:00
    I have had spinal issues and my last (very good) physio also taught pilates so she gave guidelines before I went to a class. (Her class was full) It was just as well because my instructor, who was quite good, didn't really have time to give specific instructions for all the different ailments in the class. I know my surgeon reckons Pilates is good but that it can also be bad if taught in a very big class. It has done wonders for my core.
  • tjt6768
    tjt6768 Member Posts: 12,170
    edited 30. Nov -1, 00:00
    Thank ya froggy :D

    They do one on one sessions but they are more expensive.. I would have to look into that. If I could claim the whole lot back from hospital fund it could be feasible.
    e050.gifMe-Tony
    n035.gifRa-1996 -2013 RIP...
    k040.gif
    Cleo - 1996 to 2011. RIP
  • Slosh
    Slosh Member Posts: 3,194
    edited 30. Nov -1, 00:00
    I did pilates in my pre arthritis days and really enjoyed it but I can't comment on pilates and arthritis. Sounds as though it will be worth looking into but just makesure you find a good teacher.
    He did not say you will not be storm tossed, you will not be sore distressed, you will not be work weary. He said you will not be overcome.
    Julian of Norwich
  • elnafinn
    elnafinn Member Posts: 7,412
    edited 30. Nov -1, 00:00
    Hi Tony

    Pilates would be a good exercise as long as the teacher is very familiar with arthritis and osteoporosis. I attend a very laid back Tai Chi class, run by two physiotherapists. We are a mixture in the class, not so much in age but ability and each have a different diagnosis. Some stand, some stay seated all the time and other mix and match. It is always emphasised to do what we can and not to overdo it. Problems can arise perhaps if one can do things but perhaps should not with one's diagnosis. It is difficult to always know what one should/should not do unless the teacher is available to guide you in the early days of joining the class.

    I hope you can find a class suitable to your requirements as I am sure you will enjoy it.

    Elna x
    The happiest people don't have the best of everything. They just make the best of everything.

    If you can lay down at night knowing in your heart that you made someone's day just a little bit better, you know you had a good day.
  • wildway
    wildway Member Posts: 26
    edited 30. Nov -1, 00:00
    My local NHS clinic does a variety of alternative treatments including acupuncture (ear for stress release), pilates and Qi Gong - all free/donation based. You may like to check your local services as it's surprising what you may unearth. Good luck : )
  • tjt6768
    tjt6768 Member Posts: 12,170
    edited 30. Nov -1, 00:00
    Thank you all for your support. I have done some research into the place and it looks good..
    Thank you even more Wildway for that.. I will certainly be looking into the NHS side of things as money is tight.. I appreciate any and all advice on this :D
    e050.gifMe-Tony
    n035.gifRa-1996 -2013 RIP...
    k040.gif
    Cleo - 1996 to 2011. RIP
  • scozzie
    scozzie Member Posts: 333
    edited 30. Nov -1, 00:00
    I did Pilates when I suffered from sciatica, long before my OA announced itself ... and on that experience I would thoroughly recommend it -- provided you have a good instructor. Some exercises will be great for you, some will be ok and the rest will be NO NOs! An experienced/good instructor will advise you accordingly.
  • tjt6768
    tjt6768 Member Posts: 12,170
    edited 30. Nov -1, 00:00
    Thank you Scozzie.. I'm just waiting to see my doctor. See if there is any chance of getting pilates on the NHS. .

    :D
    e050.gifMe-Tony
    n035.gifRa-1996 -2013 RIP...
    k040.gif
    Cleo - 1996 to 2011. RIP