When it was first suggested that I try Pilates in Guelph to deal with two herniated disks in my low back I was extremely skeptical. After 18 months of expensive physiotherapy, Bowen therapy, chiropractic care, a visit to a naturopath and painful massage therapy I thought I would never live a normal life, The surgeons had said that if I wasn't out of pain in 6 months that surgery would be my only option - an option that would leave my physically debilitated for life. Unable to sit on any sofa, only able to work part-time, constantly in pain and facing the notion that I would never be able to travel or enjoy things that normal people do I was desperate. And I was scared to get my hopes raised only to be disappointed once again by a treatment that didn't work.
However, Pilates in Guelph changed my life.
The private sessions I had with studio owner Caitlin Bovee were hard work, but painless. And within two weeks I experienced dramatic improvements. Soon car rides were no longer agonizing, my pain was minimal and I was able to work full-time for the first time in two years. Caitlin worked with me on exercises that strengthened my core, improved my posture and alignment and taught my muscles to work more effectively. But she also gave me tools to use at home to continue strengthening and so that I could "fix" my own body when I moved or sat the wrong way and put things out of alignment. I've also been taking part in group reformer and matt classes with amazing teachers like Anjalee and Sarah, who also have given me fantastic tools for strengthening and releasing muscles. It's been four years and I now live a normal life....I shudder to think of where I would be without Pilates in Guelph!