Frequently Asked Questions...
Pilates Questions
I have never done Pilates before, are your classes suitable for me? Yes! I Tailor my classes to who is in the class and always give a variety of levels for different exercises to ensure that they are suitable for everyone. The only class that may not be suitable for everyone is the Interval Pilates Class on a Monday and Friday, as this is a slightly faster paced class so I don't always have time to give alternatives to anyone with an injury or who may need an adapted exercise ie. unable to kneel. I am not very flexible so I don't think I can do Pilates. Pilates is suitable for everyone and hopefully will aim to improve mobility and flexibility, however, it is more about building strength alignment and range of movement. What should I wear? You need to wear something that you can move comfortably in, leggings or joggers and a top. Layers are always good as you can take them off as you warm up and then put them back on for the cool down and stretch. Pilates is usually done in bare feet so in the winter, you may want socks with grips to help keep your feet warm! Do I need my own Mat? No, I have spares at the studio, however if you have your own, you are very welcome to bring it. What type of Pilates do you teach? I teach Mat Pilates, so we do not use a reformer, however, I do use some small equipment to help to increase resistance to help to progress your exercises. My classes aim to work your whole body to increase strength, mobility and stability throughout, to help reduce the risk of injury.
Soft tissue Therapy Questions
What is Soft Tissue Therapy? Soft Tissue Therapy is a hands on treatment including massage, and other manual therapies such as myofascial release, soft tissue release, trigger point therapy, muscle energy Techniques, cupping and taping. This allows the treatment to help to treat movement dysfunction to help alleviate your pain or discomfort. I am not in pain, can I still come for a treatment? Yes! You do not need an injury or pain to benefit from Soft Tissue Massage Therapy. Soft Tissue Massage Therapy van help with maintaining movement and preventing injury, Improved posture and flexibility, it can also help to reduce your stress level, helping you manage tension through your body. What should I expect at my first appointment? All initial appointments will begin with me checking through with you what you have written on your form and going over what you would like to achieve from your appointment. Depending on your reason for your visit, we may then look at the way your body moves and functions and also the way that you breathe. This will be done through a variety of assessments that will allow me to get a clearer picture of what is causing your pain or discomfort. We will then begin the treatment that will be tailor specifically to you. After you treatment we may then look at a few exercises or movements that may help to reduce the pain or discomfort that you are feeling. What Should I wear? You should wear what you feel comfortable in. If you want your neck back or shoulders to be worked on, you will need to remove your top, and if you want your legs, glutes or lower back to be worked on, you will need to remove your trousers. You will be covered by a sheet and towel and I have an electric blanket on the bed so you should not feel cold. This is your treatment and I want you to feel as relaxed as possible, so please do let me know if you are not comfortable taking off any item of clothing. Will my treatment hurt? Your treatment should not hurt as I want your body to feel relaxed and comfortable to allow your muscles to relax, however there may be certain areas that are more tender than others, I will always ask if the pressure is ok, particularly on areas that are a bit sore and please do not feel worried to let me know. Muscles will respond better when you are feeling safe and comfortable.
Post natal questions
When Can I return to exercise? When you feel ready. There isn't a set period of time as everyone's pregnancy, birth and recovery are unique. Having said that, during the first 12 weeks after giving birth there are certain exercises that are more appropriate to allow your body time to recover, as it has been through a lot! Your pelvic floor has supported the growing weight of your baby, your abdominal wall has stretched, your posture has possibly altered and your breathing patterns may also have been affected. and these changes are not then taking into account that you now have a new little life to take care of! So starting with gentle exercises that will address these changes are key and so is listening to your body and not putting too much pressure on yourself to "bounce back" How does a Post Natal Massage help? A post natal specific massage will start with a full assessment of your tummy muscles to see if you have diastasis recti - a separation of the abdominal muscles, your breathing - your breathing patterns are often altered during pregnancy and helping bring awareness to these patterns can help your core and also your pelvic floor to engage more effectively. I will also assess your posture as pregnancy often affects this. Helping your posture can help to relieve achy shoulders and lower backs. Your core and pelvic floor also work together better more when your posture is all aligned. If you have had a C-Section, we will also look at this and any restrictions to movement or discomfort that this may have caused. We will then do a full body massage focusing on the areas specific to you that we have identified during your assessment. This massage will also give your body a chance to unwind. Relaxed muscles respond much better than stressed tight ones. We will then finish your session with exercise and movement advice to help you to continue the work from your treatment at home. I also offer Kinesiology taping if appropriate. What is Mummy and Me Pilates? Mummy and Me Pilates is a relaxed pilates class that you can bring your little one along to. The class is designed specifically to rebuild and reconnect the areas that are affected by pregnancy and the demands of caring for a new baby.