A couple of years ago I was in tremendous foot pain. After being suggested numerous named conditions, I discovered that I am in fact hypermobile. I haven't yet got it under control but I am a million times better than the girl who used to be on her feet for 20 minutes crying in agony. I have limited my exercise and general standing time.
Having started my new job at a nursery I have noticed the pain in my knees worsening. Sitting on the floor and small chairs, bending down, picking children up and cleaning has all equalled to a lot more stress on my knee joints. I attended another physio appointment this morning and it was quite helpful.
It was explained to me that as my body is unstable/unbalanced, my joints overcompensate (particularly my knees and feet/ankles taking the strain). The Physiotherapist said that once I gain core stability, balance and strength, my upper and lower body muscles will take more of the strain = less pain/clicking/aching.
I was given this exercise sheet to complete every day, with another meeting in three weeks time.
He said that restarting up at the gym would be a very good idea although to do ten minute short bursts of cardio so as not to stress my joints. The best news ever was when I was told I could eventually start running again (I miss it so much) but I need to regain strength first of all. Most importantly, I am not to do any squats. I did one in front of him and he said he could see just how weak my joints are as my knees automatically come inwards. Similarly, when I stood on one leg, he mentioned how much the foot on the ground was overcompensating the loss of balance by flipping over to one side.
This assessment came in perfect timing with a pilates DVD I was sent out to review. I know how beneficial pilates is for hypermobile people but I don't half struggle getting into it. I'm such a fast-paced cardio queen. I tried it out this morning.
If you go ahead and Google Lynne Robinson, you will see so many great reviews and praise of her pilates experience.
Pilates The Core Workout was only released on the 26th December 2011 and incorporates the Pilates principles of concentration, relaxation, alignment, breathing, centring, co-ordination, flowing movements and stamina.
For a beginner, as I am, I found her verbal instructions very easy to understand. It is hard to follow a fitness routine which focuses on posture when you're constantly tilting your head to the side to watch how it's done. I also found the first chapter of the DVD interesting where Lynne is talking about your spine and how everything lines up. Whilst learning about how your body works, it helps further when conducting the exercises.
I have yet to try out the second part to this workout, and after one try I obviously cannot yet speak of the benefits. I will keep practising and learn to be patient! Do you follow a pilates DVD or attend a class? How do you look after your joints?
Pilates the Core Workout is available to buy on DVD from www.amazon.co.uk and www.bodycontrol.co.uk from 26th December 2011. RRP: £14.99
Am just about to join my local gym, 6 months after being diagnosed as hypermobile so this couldn't have come at a better time. Like you I suffer with pain in my feet, knees and lower back and have ligament damage in both ankles. I'm really nervous at the moment but hopefully it'll help. I've done pilates before and can't wait to get back to it but have only ever done it as a class - never from a DVD. Be interested to see what you think
ReplyDeleteI'm glad your getting some treatment - hopefully your knees will feel better soon!
ReplyDeleteI love pilates, although I seem to have thrown it over for yoga at the moment. It's great for core strength and posture - I feel taller after I've done pilates.
I got that DVD to review as well and have done the second bit, I really enjoyed it. Its very slow paced but that makes a difference to my usual stuff and is nice. Sounds like you have a good chance of improving your condition, good luck!
ReplyDeletesorry to hear you've been injured but glad yo are on the mend. thanks for the eview ive been looking for a good fitness dvd.
ReplyDeleteSorry to hear about that, but good news that you might be able to run again in the future.
ReplyDeleteI have never tried pilates, but I did find a lot of benefits when I started doing yoga, and I think (?) they seem quite similar.
Sorry to hear about your injury. I have been loving pilates recently and that video sounds great!
ReplyDeleteI feel your pain. Literally. I've gotten fitted with orthotics and they've really helped. I have really good arches in my feet till I put them down then my ankles, knees, hips, everything tilts inwards. Might be good for me to try that sheet too!
ReplyDeleteI'm sad to hear this. Something similar happen to me and I hated the fact that I couldnt get out and about. Took me a good few years to get back to full fitness but I have it back :) Its amazying what physio therapy can do. Keep at it and you will be sure to be back to full form!
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