Managing chronic pain, a new BASI workshop

By Kathryn Russell

Strategizing movement becomes a large part of the existence of people who live with chronic pain. Activities are planned to ensure that they cause the least amount of pain and discomfort, though even the least amount can be a very high degree of pain. Compensatory movement often creates its own problems.

The positions adopted by chronic pain sufferers to take pain off a particular area typically put stress on another muscle or joint. It can become an endless cycle of stress and pain. Research has shown that chronic pain is best managed through an inter-disciplinary approach focusing on exercise.

The Pilates method, with its emphasis on breath, core strength and joint stability, is particularly successful in the management of these syndromes. Achieving balanced movement is the correct starting point for pain management, and Pilates exercises, which are designed to teach and strengthen muscular balance, are ideally suited to this work.

The new BASI Pilates workshop, “Pilates for Chronic Pain,” addresses the challenges of working with chronic pain sufferers, as well as with other fragile clients. It provides a unique perspective on using and modifying the Pilates repertoire to substantially improve the lives of people with  Fibromyalgia, Rheumatoid Arthritis, Lupus, Multiple Sclerosis and other chronic pain syndromes.

The workshop approaches  the Pilates method through the BASI® Block System.  We determine and teach the fundamental elements of the block before we teach the exercises. In the footwork block, for example, the fundamental elements are pelvic stability, alignment and ankle glide. For the client to successfully perform the footwork, and thus derive the enormous benefits of correct movement, the fundamental elements must be in place.

Each of the chronic pain syndromes that we examine has different needs and movement patterns that need to be considered when planning a session. Accordingly, the workshop examines various approaches that can be deployed to teach the fundamental elements. Once those are in place, the client can be guided through the exercises – appropriately modified to accommodate the limitations and movement patterns of the various pain syndromes. All modifications and modification strategies are based on a thorough understanding of each specific syndrome.

Most of us travel through life without much thought of how we move, simply because it is not an obstacle. But for those who battle with movement, Pilates can be a life-changing gift. The “Pilates for Chronic Pain” workshop provides essential training for every Pilates professional who has experienced clients suffering from chronic pain and not known how to help them.

 Kathryn Russell is co-owner of Viva Pilates Studio in Huntington Beach, CA