This post was submitted by Claudia Allred, one of the members of the Pilates team at Trinity Fitness + Spa.
"It has been my experience with post mastectomy clients as with any post surgery clients to first contact their physical therapist to discuss how the client is progressing. Everyone is different and no one program will work with everyone. If the client is not attending physical therapy the obvious question of 'What do you expect Pilates to achieve for you?' should be asked to gain perspective on their expectation of results. After building a highly important repor with the client and her team of specialists, remember that Pilates movements and exercises all begin promial before distal. Focusing on fundamentals such as breathing, nose circles, head nods, pelvic bowl to bridging, ribcage arms/ angel arms, and other stabilization exercises such protraction/retraction of scapulae, eleveation and depression are key.
These exercises encourage the client to work smarter rather than harder to stabilize the core musculature and in doing so establishing balance. Remembering that these fundamental exercises are very important foundation movements as well as aid in reducing stress and fatigue. Once they have mastered these foundamentals and you begin layering movements, exercises such as hug a tree may be best performed unilaterally. Since these particular ladies are riders they are at a huge advantage since establishing a seat and having a strong core to do so is key to their sport. Encouraging them to start exercising ASAP will help them get back into the saddle quicker. Pilates-sage is ideal for these women and may get them there sooner!"