Kickas.org Forums Ankylosing Spondylitis General Discussion #1 AS Web Support Group Revisiting Tendons and Physical Terror-apy

Dunno about 'expert' hon, but, useful to BE useful for summat 'LOL' (Eerrrmmm. Yes, I suppose I do know a bit about dang ole shoulders!)

Molls

There most definitely is evidence that PT is helpful. I think it is the one 'alternative' (ie. non-med) treatment that all healthcare practitioners can agree on. No, it doesn't cure us. As far as we know, nothing can do that.

BUT...

It does help keep us mobile and that is extremely important in helping to slow damage due to this disease.

Like Molly, I am a pilates lover. Also, like Molly, I had an awesome first instructor who did her research and helped me adapt any of the exercises that we shouldn't do. Learning the true, absolute beginner, pilates for dummies basics was truly helpful, as she worked with us on the breathing, why we were doing it and how to do it properly; also, she made sure we knew which muscles each exercise was working/stretching and how we could use that in our every day lives. Personally, I think I should be reimbursed for my pilates, because I used it in lieu of PT for many years and still do - so, really, I'd have been saving the healthcare system a ton of money as my classes were only $14 for a 1.25 hour class, whereas PT is anywhere from $40 - $80 per visit.

But that's my own personal soapbox.

Hugs,

Quote: "I had an awesome first instructor who did her research and helped me adapt any of the exercises that we shouldn't do. Learning the true, absolute beginner, pilates for dummies basics was truly helpful, as she worked with us on the breathing, why we were doing it and how to do it properly; also, she made sure we knew which muscles each exercise was working/stretching and how we could use that in our every day lives."

Kat is right on here. The basics; breathing, why and how to do it properly; muscle groups - what moves what and the 'hows' of not damaging oneself. Without the absolute Beginner Foundation Pilates, one might a well *not go there. Gosh, that sounds rather fierce, not meant to be, just I get anxious about using the right approach - having seen my chum wrap it right rund her left ear!

Hope you can really sort summat out Swim2.

(Off subject. BTW: Keep meaning to mention, that an excellent and well reputed breeder of my fave breed of horse (Peruvian Paso) lives in the 5-Lakes area. One day (!) 'hope' that I will get to visit with her.)

Take care -

Soapbox Molly C 'grin'

is this it? http://www.phoenixranch.com/

if you're ever up this way, let us know!

sue

Yeeeees. Sonja Wirth. Have a fab pic of her Sogrado. She has really good PPs. Of course, instead of going to bed (!) I just had to take time out to go visit---ohohoh, wannna wannna. Seen a horse of hers. Sigh. Heck. Well, I can go to bed an dream can't I?

Yes, IF I'm ever over that way, will let ya know Sue22 -

Molly C

Molly, I don't think you sounded fierce at all. I'm right with you on that. They have all these videos out for pilates, but it seems that rarely do they actually start at an absolute beginner level. People try them, then hurt themselves trying to do advanced level stuff the first time out. I just cringe when I think about it and have been mighty vocal on the importance of taking classes to learn this when you first start.

And that's 'normal' people - if you know what I mean.

We living with AS must be careful with our spines. While pilates, for me anyway, is the be-all-end-all therapy, I was blessed to have a teacher who did her research and found out about what this disease can do to us. She helped me adapt certain exercises (I don't do roll like a ball, for instance - instead, I do the prep and then as soon as I'm in the 'C' position I balance there. It's as big a work out to hold yourself on your tailbone as it is to roll and bring yourself back up to your tailbone).

Anyway, it is one of my favourite soapboxes and I'll step off it for the moment.

Warm hugs,