Benefits I have Obtained from PILATES - a testimonial from Joyce Watts
Three years ago, at the age of 65, I was experiencing severe mobility problems due to osteoarthritis in my right hip which also gave me constant pain and discomfort. My situation is now very much better and I am very happy to provide this testimonial to the benefits I have derived from the exercise regime and sound advice given by Sue Hamilton at Bodyright Pilates at Petone.
Briefly, a motor accident in 1985 is the probable initial cause of my hip problem, together with a degree of injury to my lower spine (which was not diagnosed at the time). The full effects of the accident took some years to become apparent and then steadily deteriorated (although regular exercise with the Swiss ball had helped to a degree) until about 4 years ago I was forced to seek medical advice. An
X-ray confirmed very advanced deterioration of my right hip joint, though it was only a later
X-ray requested by Sue Hamilton after she first saw me that confirmed twisting to my lower spine (Scoliosis).
A hip replacement operation has been considered but the surgeon I consulted was very careful to stress the higher risks (chiefly of a stroke) that would be incurred in my case because I have two artificial heart valves and am on anticoagulants. This complication made me look for an alternative to a hip operation and for a year, with the best professional advice I could find, several paths were tried without success, including aquatherapy and the raising of my left shoe to try to compensate for the spinal injury. Confinement to a wheelchair was looming as a real threat.
Fortunately, I was then introduced to Sue Hamilton and the Pilates exercise regime. A weekly 1 hour session with Sue and
20-30 minutes of specified exercises each day at home brought noticeable pain reduction and mobility improvement within a month of starting. I have kept up this routine in a disciplined manner for the past 3 years and with guidance and supervision from Sue have been able to move progressively to more advanced exercises and am now at a point where not only has the pain gone and my mobility much better but my strength and general
well-being are also much improved, my spine is aligned and my posture good.
Whilst the arthritis in my right hip cannot be cured, Sue Hamilton and the Pilates exercises have given me the regime I need to manage my situation and for this I am very grateful.
Testimonial - G Ward
I am a 19 year old university student studying economics and finance. At school I was a keen sportsman. Competitively, I played for the first XI soccer team, ran at the cross country nationals and sailed at a national level. Recreationally I enjoyed playing tennis, touch rugby and mountain biking. I love sports.
In my sixth form year at College, after suffering from lumber back pain I was clinically diagnosed with bilateral stress fractures in my L4 vertebrae (lower back). This was a big bummer for a keen sportsman. Evidently I was rested from sport and started physio. However, the pain increased and I started suffering leg pain. At its peak the pain was so bad in my legs I struggled to sit for more than 10 minutes, and the school day was both tiring and sore. Desperate to get better and play sport again, I jumped around different physios, osteopaths and specialists to no avail.
I finally ended up at Bodyright Pilates under Rachael Owen and Sue Hamillton. I have worked at Pilates for a year and 3 months, mostly with Sue, and it has helped hugely. I did my exercises every morning, and came to enjoy them. I started to feel the thrill of exercise again. With Pilates, I now have posture that is 10 times better than it was, I feel much less back pain, and am well on the journey to playing sport again.
It has been hard work, learning to breathe, stand and sit properly, and use the right muscles, but the rewards have been very rewarding. I now use my body as it should be used, and feel the better for it. I am very grateful and thankful to Pilates and
Sue's help. I would recommend Bodyright Pilates to anyone who has a sore or injured back, the rewards and improvement make it very valuable and worthwhile.
Testimonial - Shona W, Lower Hutt
I've been attending one on one and unsupervised sessions at Bodyright Studio for about four years. I injured my lower back at a gym while using a machine - I was being supervised by a trainer who failed to ensure I was properly positioned. The pain was a constant ache which got worse.
After a month or so, I began to drag my right leg slightly while walking and waking up in pain. I went to a physiotherapist who began treatments but the pain was no better. The physio recommended Pilates and suggested I call Bodyright. After a few weeks, the pain began to recede but it took a few months to get it completely under control. By then I was hooked on the total 'feel good' benefits Pilates brings.
I try and get to Bodyright once a week and also do a small set of Pilates exercises at least five days a week at home. My muscles are stronger, my core is stronger, and I'm more resilient and recover faster if I do strenuous exercise - those daily exercises work like magic for me! Sue and the team at Bodyright are wonderful people who know their stuff. My daughter (now age 13) has also benefited from Sue's expertise and has been treated for poor posture, shoulder and neck pain with excellent results.
Testimonials
I have been thrilled with the benefits Pilates has brought me. Old injuries and niggles have resolved where other forms of treatment have not helped.
Perseverance and consistency with the Pilates exercises is a must to make progress but it is so worth it.
I am very appreciative of Sue Hamilton's expertise. She has an impressive knowledge and understanding of body mechanics and how to apply Pilate's exercises to aid recovery.
For anyone thinking about trying Pilates, I would say DO IT! Pilates works!
Janine Lower Hutt
Client Testimonials
