Pain Free Posture MN & Pilates Integration Mind. Body. Spirit.

I will be in San Antonio, Texas this weekend teaching The Pink Ribbon Program Post-rehabilitative Breast Cancer Exercise Specialist Certification. 

For more information please visit:  http://www.pinkribbonprogram.com/certification-education.html or visit my website www.pilatesintegration.com for more details.

Training location:  Lone Star Pilates  http://www.lonestarpilates.com/
434 North Loop 1604 W Suite 2203 San Antonio, TX 78232
Dates:  Saturday November 1st (10:00am - 4:00pm) and Sunday November 2nd (9:00am-3:00pm)

For questions, inquiries, payment information, contact Doreen Puglisi: info@pinkribbonprogram.com or call 888-445-3089

Why take such a specialized certification?  The National Cancer Institute estimate of new breast cancer cases in the United States for 2008 is 182,460 (female) and 1,990 (male).  This number does not account for the millions of survivors in our communities who have successfully beaten the disease and are continuing to live productive and active lives.

In general, there are two categories of common injuries and issues associated with breast cancer removal and reconstruction surgeries and adjuvant treatments.  They are:

1.  Inflammatory and/or scar tissue related

• nerve damage, disruptions or impingement
• muscle shortening
• scar tissue
• fascia irritations

2.  Dysfunctional/faulty biomechanics affecting movement and posture

• decrease range of motion
• protective posturing
• balance issues
• muscle removed or surgically reattached to another location for some reconstruction options

In my next post, I will discuss these two categories and the common injuries and issues associated with breast cancer removal and reconstruction surgeries and adjuvant treatments, how these present in clients, and how pilates based movement can and does help!  I look forward to hearing your comments and questions. 

Deb Preachuk

website:  www.pilatesintgration.com

email me:  deb.preachuk@cfaith.com

"All parts of the body which have a function if used in moderation and exercised in labors in which each is accustomed, become thereby healthy, well developed and age more slowly, but if unused they become liable to disease, defective in growth and age quickly." ~Hippocrates~

Did you know that Pilates is an excellent way to rehabilitate, re-educate and balance the postural muscles affected by breast cancer treatments, removal and reconstruction surgeries?

Exercise may be the last thing a woman feels like doing after breast cancer surgery. You're probably exhausted, your arm may be painful and swollen, and the requisite treatments can make you feel even worse. All you want to do is rest. In the past, that's exactly what doctors recommended. However, recent studies indicate a link between moderate physical exercise and improved quality of life for breast cancer survivors.

Pilates Instructors certified as Pink Ribbon Program Post-rehabilitative Breast Cancer Exercise Specialists offer a specifically designed exercise protocol designed for those breast cancer survivors on the road to recovery. The program will help stretch and strengthen the shoulders, chest, back, and abdominal muscles, allowing full range of motion to return to the areas affected by breast cancer removal and reconstruction surgeries. This workout is accommodates women who have undergone recent breast cancer removal and reconstruction surgery or who have long since begun recovery.  This program is appropriate for all fitness levels.

The Pink Ribbon Program supports the physical, mental, and emotional wellness for those individuals recovering from breast cancer surgery. There are many benefits including:

• Helps regain strength and mobility in the affected shoulder and arm
• Retrains the musculature of the trunk for postural improvement
• Improves self-confidence
• Helps reduce feeling of depression by promoting a positive body image
• Enhance and restores energy levels
• Decreases stress and tension
• Enhances physical and mental well-being

Next week I'll be discussing common problems that can arise in post-rehabilitative breast cancer clientele.For more information or to find a certified Pink Ribbon Program instructor please visit www.pinkribbonprogram.com or contact Deborah Preachuk at www.pilatesintegration.com