Thanks to all of you for confirming what my "instincts" told me: that one month post-treatment is too soon to embark on any additional physical effort. The Pilates I do with breast cancer patients is very gentle, activitating the small, deep muscles which provide stabilization for joints. It also provides mobilization for joints, and mindful stretching always working withing the range of motion appropriate for the person. If and when I do start working with my guy I will take the same approach, and start very slowly... in a few months time.

While I realize there is no "one size fits most" experience or path, it has been HUGELY helpful for me to read what your experiences are and have been like. Thank you for your willingness to share your experience and perspective. The gentleman I'm committing to work with is the husband of a long-time client who has become a friend. She asked me if I'd be willing to work with him, and of course I want to help in any way I can, if I can.

I'm glad you have this online community and wish you strength. the support of loved ones and a strong heart on your journey.

Debra

Debra,

Just you posting here to ask these questions show me that you are truly interested in your client's well being.

David,

Thank you for your kind words. My intent is to educate myself so that any work I do with him first, does no harm, and second, helps with mobility, strength and pain relief.

I came to Pilates work for myself twelve years ago as a last resort after fifteen years of chronic pain following a career-ending car accident. I now live without chronic pain and manage my back and neck issues with Pilates and a great massage therapist. My point in telling you this is to acknowledge that I've lived through a VERY small portion of what people with OC have to cope with... and while Physical Therapy and chiropractic helped me a little, the Pilates made the difference long-term. Different mocalities and combinations of modalities work for individuals-- this is definitely not one-size-fits-all work.

I don't know if Pilates will help this individual. I believe that if I were trying to recover from the treatment side effects and dibilitations that I would want to have a variety of healing and helpful modalities to try out, and someone as knowledge as possible to guide me through it.

My Anatomy & Physiology and Kinesiology texts and resources have been getting a workout! With this online community's forbearance, I hope my questions will continue to be received in the spirit of sharing what you on the front-lines know through direct experience.

Thanks-- your note encourages me to continue to educate myself as best I can. This forum is a great resource!

Debra

Deb,

What you are looking into may prove helpful to a lot of patients (or may not) but at least you're trying to find out in a logical way so ask away. I'll always spout off my 2 cents.

Now Now David, we have never seen you quit at 2 cents. LOL David is a good man Deb.

If 2 cents is good then 4 cents must be better.

Bruce,
from personal experience I can tell you that no amount of physical rehab, massage or exercise will fix this problem. I have a permanent script for Valium and Codiene and take them when I need them, which isn't all of the time. There are times though, that the pain is really bad. It didn't even start until I was 2 years post Tx. The cramps (more like a Charlie Horse) move around as well - sometimes under my chin and even on the "good side". It can be downright debilitating at times. A lot of it depends on the activities I am doing. Sometimes my head feels like it wants to spin around like Linda Blair in the Excorcist - all I need is some split pea soup ;-)

Gary thanks for this post. I guess I'm not alone with this feeling. I have enough going on with this body and thought this wa part of the aging process. LOL My head does that too many and at wrong times.

Gary -- you are sure validating what I am seeing -- I am just about 2 weeks away from the 2 year anniversary of the end of treatment, and my neck and shoulders are worse than ever in terms of the stiffness and discomfort. Likely not as severe as what yours sounds like, but I am on the verge of asking the doctor for a muscle relaxant when I see him in July.

Jeff,
it comes and goes. Sometimes it'll hit me when my head is still on the pillow in the morning. My RO warned me, pre Tx, about this issue of fibrosis in the neck muscles in the radiation field. Muscle tissue is typically stretchy, like a rubber band. Radiation makes it fibrotic and mostly non functional. Your head weighs about the same as a bowling ball and all the muscles on the minimal radiated side have to take up the slack. It's a small price for being alive...