Mitreawellness

by Dr. Patricia F. Goldblatt

pgoldblatt@rogers.com

Approximately 8 years ago, I found myself in terrible pain. Acupuncture helped for brief periods of time, but inevitably it returned. I began visits to a physiotherapist, but again, there was no long term relief. Finally, unable to move about without pain, I contacted my doctor. I had three herniated disks. Instead of surgery, he recommended a lifestyle change.

Interestingly, there are many people with back problems and surprisingly, many have found a variety of ways to cope. Some people do aqua therapy classes at local community centres. Swimming and water exercise can alleviate the pressure that compressed disks can exert on nerves. Others know that long periods of sitting exacerbate the pain so they tend to be more upright, even asking employers for “standing desks”. Some, unfortunately, suffer in silence. Others attempt to cope, trying to ignore the agony of bending over or just taking a single step.

I was extremely lucky and gradually found relief in a Pilates studio. The instructor was studying to be an osteopath so she was very aware of the need for structural alignment that can reduce muscle tension. Rucsandra Mitrea explained that she herself had experienced back pain so she understood first hand. Her aim for her clients was to develop strong, flexible bodies through increased body awareness. So, I began my concentrated work with Pilates, both in Rucsandra’s studio and at home.

In the beginning, I was shown how to improve my standing posture. For example, taking the weight off my heels by focusing on putting the weight on the front pads of my feet helped a bit. Movements were fluid and gentle, and gradually over time, the pain was reduced. The process took time, effort and commitment; however, the results have enabled me to continue on in a normal life.

I was also introduced to the ELDOA Method. This focused method addresses every single spinal segment from the joint between the skull and the first neck vertebra to the lumbar-sacral joint. With help from my instructor, I was supported in these positions along with breathing techniques that targeted individual vertebra. I was also introduced to myofascial stretching. Both ELDOA and the Myofascial Stretching technique were developed by Guy Voyer DO, a French osteopath and specialist on the fascial system.

Fascia is the connective tissue that covers or binds together muscles and organs. Apparently, fascial thickening develops as a response to forces of tension and mechanical demands. Excessive thickening can be accompanied by shortening the fascia. This results in restricting and tightening the body’s movement. As well, movement at the individual vertebral levels can be decreased. In all, trunk stabilization exercises work on core stomach muscles.

This Pilates Center, like many others, really helps people with a variety of health issues. One woman told me that her arthritis has almost disappeared, and I personally know the impact of a program that focuses on building co-ordination and strength. The combined mind-body approach of Pilates causes people to regain control of their bodies as they repeat a number of exercises that target their individual problems.

Although chronic back pain can affect every aspect of a person’s life, there is help. Continue to question and research. ELDOA, Myofascial Stretching and the Pilates Method have all improved my life.