Pilates for Breast Cancer Survivors: A Guide to Recovery, Healing, and Wellness

by Naomi Aaronson MA, OTR/L, CHT, CPI, Ann Marie Turo OTR/L

Overview

No matter where you are in treatment, what side effects you may be experiencing, or your general fitness level, Pilates is a safe and effective way to help you regain flexibility, power, and endurance while relieving treatment side effects such as lymphedema, fatigue, depression, peripheral neuropathy, osteoporosis, and upper extremity impairment. Naomi Aaronson and Ann Marie Turo, occupational therapists and certified Pilates instructors, show you how to use exercises to:

• Strengthen arms and shoulders and regain your range of motion.
• Reduce pain and swelling and stretch tight areas affected by scars.
• Build core strength and back stability, especially important after TRAM or DIEP flap breast reconstruction surgery.
• Improve balance and coordination.
• Make it easier to perform basic daily living tasks.
• Release stress and boost energy.

Including programs that can be done lying down, seated, or standing, Pilates for Breast Cancer Survivors will help you achieve maximum wellness, now and throughout your journey living life after cancer.

Product Details

ISBN-13:	9781617051951
Publisher:	Springer Publishing Company
Publication date:	09/23/2014
Sold by:	Barnes & Noble
Format:	eBook
Pages:	224
File size:	15 MB
Note:	This product may take a few minutes to download.

About the Author

Naomi Aaronson, MA, OTR/L, CHT, CPI, is a certified occupational therapist and Pilates instructor, and the developer of the Recovercises program for breast cancer survivors.

Ann Marie Turo, OTR/L, a breast cancer survivor, is a certified occupational therapist and the owner of Integrated Mind Body, LLC in Boston, MA. Turo is certified in Yoga, Pilates, Tai Chi, and Reiki and combines these approaches with traditional occupational therapy to help clients heal physically and spiritually.

Table of Contents

Introduction
Part I: Why Pilates for Cancer?
Part II: The Principles of Pilates
Part III: Stretches
Part IV: Three Phase Pilates Program
Part V: Three Phase TRAM Flap Pilates Program
Part VI: Pilates Chair Program
Part VII: Standing Pilates
Part VIII: Wellness
Glossary of Terms
Resources
References

Editorial Reviews

09/01/2014
Two occupational therapists and pilates instructors (one of whom is also a breast cancer survivor) offer up a regimen of exercises to help women regain strength and range of motion following surgery and treatment. They discuss the principles of the practice and the benefits for cancer patients with relation to fatigue, lymphedema, "chemo brain," and other complaints. Sections on getting started and advisories accompany each series of movements, which include those seated and in the supine position. VERDICT Strengthening the body and spurring recovery through pilates seems like a win-win. For patient health and fitness collections.

Library Journal

Reviewer: Shannon Martin, OTD (Touro University Nevada)
Description: This book sets out a Pilates-based exercise program for individuals recovering from breast cancer. It is written by two occupational therapists, one of whom is a breast cancer survivor.
Purpose: The purpose is to provide a gentle yet effective form of exercise for breast cancer survivors to promote wellness and recovery. The program and exercises are geared to address many of the specific deficits and common side effects that individuals experience following chemotherapy and breast reconstruction surgery. The Pilates-based program is aimed at restoring flexibility, strength, and lymphatic, respiratory, and circulatory function. It is a valuable and beneficial program for this population.
Audience: This book is intended for use by individuals recovering from breast cancer, and it is written for laypersons with no significant background in medicine or exercise science.
Features: The book provides good background information on the benefits of Pilates in relation to the common concerns or problems faced by someone following breast cancer treatment. Boxes in the text detail survivors' own personal experiences with Pilates and the benefits they received from this type of exercise program. The bulk of the book presents several comprehensive Pilates programs. The programs are geared for a variety of levels and abilities and can be tailored to each individual depending on where that person is in the recovery process and her specific needs. For example, there is a supine, seated, and standing program. Additionally, many of the exercises in the programs are included throughout so that readers can adapt each exercise to their level and needs. Each of the exercises includes a description of the exercise, the goal of the exercise, contraindications, equipment needed, clear instructions for performing and pictures of several steps of each exercise. A chapter at the end contains general health and wellness tips for breast cancer survivors.
Assessment: This is a great resource for breast cancer survivors looking for an effective, holistic exercise program to promote wellness and recovery. The exercises and pictures are easy to follow and provide modifications so that the program is easily tailored to each individual.

Doody's Review Service