Forum / Let's Discuss! / Working%20with%20clients%20with%20hip%20replacements
This topic contains 3 replies.| By | Message |
|---|---|
| Marilyn Payne On: October 25, 2012 08:24 AM |
Hi Jennifer and Casey! I'm wondering what your recommendations are for working with clients with hip replacements and are there any Pilates exercises that would be contraindicated initially, and/or long term? |
| Jennifer G On: October 28, 2012 23:08 PM |
Hi there Amy! Thank you so much for this question. Navigating movement around joint replacements can be a little bit tricky. Here are a few things to think about when your clients come in to you with these types of issues. First, get a OK from their Dr. with a full description of what is appropriate for their specific issues. The doctor knows best and is the perfect person to give you insight as to where to work with your client. Using the Pilates equipment is especially useful when working with hip or knee replacements. You can really control the client's weight bearing, range of motion, and spring tension on the reformer and cadillac to build strength without extra force or stress on the new joint. Also look for areas of tightness due to the extreme compensations that are created before and after surgery. This is where you will want to employ all the release work tricks you know to help bring more balance to the body post op. As for ranges of motion that you want to be careful of, watch out for extreme internal rotation and crossing the affected leg passed the midline of the body for hip replacements. These artificial joints are getting better and better with each year, so the newer ones have much more range than ones from say five years ago. Always proceed with caution and be gentle when stretching the area. Start with small movements at first with a just right spring tension that is equally supportive and challenging. Think about building strength uniformly while integrating the whole body into the mix. As always with major surgery the body will internally splint its self to heal. Respect this protection mechanism while building small skills to help bring integrity back to the area. Footwork on the reformer is a wonderful place to start. It is easily controlled and extremely supportive. I hope this answers your questions about hip and joint replacements. Thanks again Amy! |
| Sara S On: February 27, 2013 15:34 PM |
I completely agree with Casey. Keep in mind the only official contraindication is femur adduction. |