Pink Pilates is dedicated to helping women diagnosed with breast cancer regain their physical strength, improve their body confidence and incorporate exercise into their lifestyle. Our goal is to help women recovering from breast cancer surgery or treatments by offering personalised therapeutic programmes. These include a complementary blend of: Pilates / physiotherapy / massage / stretching and breathing techniques
Bodyright is a licensed Pink Pilate's provider with certified instructors.
Benefits of Pink Pilates
- regaining strength and mobility
- enhancing energy levels and easing muscular tension
- re-strengthening muscles of the trunk and improving posture
- improving self confidence and control
- minimising weight gain
- improving bone density
- improving sleep and alleviating fatigue
- enhancing physical and mental well being
- and above all , an increased inner strength and a sense of well being
Exercise is probably the last thing that anyone feels like doing after breast cancer surgery. However, latest research has found that exercise can help boost the immune system, limit weight gain from chemotherapy, ease treatment side effects and contribute to an improved quality of life.
Pink Pilates is a personalised programme just for you
The Pink Pilates programme is suitable after any type of breast surgery or treatment and accommodates all fitness levels. It is designed to facilitate recovery from mastectomy, lumpectomy, and breast reconstructive surgery including TRAM flap, LAT flap and breast implant reconstruction. The programme addresses the physical conditions and side effects from chemotherapy, radiation and hormone therapy. There are three phases post op, recovery and fitness phase. Pink Pilates includes:
- Manual physiotherapy to prevent the formation of scar tissue and frozen shoulder
- Pilates exercises to stretch, strengthen and improve range of motion in the upper body
- Relaxing massage to relieve stiffness in the neck, back chest and shoulders
- Breathing control techniques to help facilitate relaxation and reduce stress levels
- And personalised home exercise programmes to facilitate overall conditioning and to increase physical stamina for faster recovery
Lou James is the founder and programme director of Pink Pilates. The programme was started in 2006 in response to the need Lou identified to help women recovering from breast cancer surgery and treatments. Lou has a Bachelor of Health Science in Physiotherapy; postgraduate training in clinical Pilates completed in Adelaide and Miami, and is a certified Breast Cancer Exercise Specialist.
Dr Sonja Freese is the clinical director of Pink Pilates. Sonja specialised as a Breast Physician after a career in general practice. She is committed to promoting healthy lifestyle choices based on the latest medical research.
"Together we hope that the Pink Pilates programme will help to raise awareness of the importance of prescribed rehabilitation for every person undergoing surgery or treatment for breast cancer."
"It is my pleasure to introduce Pink Pilates. As a breast surgeon, I see many women with breast cancer who feel the balance in their lives has changed. The diagnosis and treatment of breast cancer can be a long hard journey, which can be helped by programmes such as this."
"Pink Pilates is there to help women recover both physically and emotionally. The programme offers a combination of exercise, physiotherapy and relaxation allowing women to regain a sense of control and improved well-being. I believe this will be a great addition to medical care, particularly early on in a women's treatment. ''
Belinda Scott, Breast Surgeon, Chair of NZ Breast Cancer Foundation's Medical Advisory Committee, and Patron of the Pink Pilates Trust.
