Pilates som smertelindring med spondylolistese

Almost a year ago, though I had been suffering from a back problem for several years and after months of unsuccessful painkillers and pain therapy to avoid major back surgery, my neurosurgeon suggested that I tried Pilates as the last alternative to surgery. I didn’t know what Pilates was and I wasn’t a big fan of yoga…… I later learned on my own that Pilates and Yoga can be complementary but are definitely not the same.

I contacted Louise in September 2022, and she took all the time to listen carefully to my medical situation, to explain me clearly how on-machine Pilates could help me improving my health and she offered me free trial training to see what might or might not be beneficial to me. I started my Pilates training with private lessons exclusively on machines (Reformer and Chair which at first sight are scary but are so great!). The first few classes were extremely demanding, especially because I was super limited in my own movements due to my back and leg problems. However, Louise was extremely patient and made sure to choose the most optimal exercises with the purpose of increasing strength and to allow the stretching of my whole body.

I started to feel the benefits of these Pilates workouts very quickly: my body got stronger and my body shape started to change in a very positive manner. Surprisingly, I was able to walk again for several hours without pain. This improvement in my physical condition and the change in my body shape was also highlighted by my family and friends who were so happy to finally find me fit and able to move and enjoy life without permanent pain or body complaints.

Since January 2023, in addition to the training on the reformer/chair, I am also following matwork training at the studio and I am able to perform exercises that I would never have been able to perform nine months ago. I now train up to 3 times a week with Louise and will soon be joining a training course to become a mat Pilates teacher. At the moment, my back surgery is no longer on today’s agenda.

Very importantly, Louise is an excellent dedicated teacher. She is extremely professional, has excellent coaching skills and a very good knowledge of physiology, she is patient, extremely supportive, very nice and friendly and super sweet. Her Pilates studio is beautiful and very pleasant. She knows how to take care of her customers with nice little attentions. Passing the door of the CANVAS studio is the guarantee to offer to your body and your mind an astonishing and refreshing moment of well-being and to take good care of your health.

Indeed, Pilates classes are not the cheapest, but our health is priceless and Pilates classes are excellent value for money! I can clearly state and certify that Pilates saved me from major surgery and changed my life by improving my muscle tone, flexibility and strength. I feel good in my body and in my head and the only two people I have to thank for that are my neurosurgeon and Louise!”