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Case Study

Sharon McDonald, 48 years old, with spondylosis

Background

I was diagnosed with spondylosis in my twenties, I had mild symptoms which I managed with physio and anti-inflammatory drugs.

As I got older, I am now 48, the pain got worse and physio was not really having any lasting effect. I found I was taking more pain meds; I was attending a consultant Neurosurgeon and he was giving me regular cortisone injections into my spine. The conversations with him were starting to go down the surgery road which I really wanted to avoid.

I wanted to try other avenues before surgery. Pilates was something I had done a long time ago and I remember I really enjoyed it, so I decided to look around my local area for a class. I found Stott Pilates Instructor Kate Redmond in the local community centre.

When I arrived for my first class, I was in a lot of pain I had severe nerve pain in my leg and lower back I could hardly put my back on the floor. I started in a beginner’s class and took it slowly at first.

Pilates with Kate

After a few classes I felt it really helped my flexibility, mobility, and general back pain. That was nearly two years ago, and I have never looked back, my whole-body strength and shape have changed, I have very little pain. I have had no cortisone injections in two years, I do not take anti-inflammatory drugs anymore, my life has changed for the better. I am more toned and fit in general.

The other benefit from Pilates is that I find my head is always in the good space especially during these challenging Covid times, I also have lots of energy. Pilates ensures that you are fully concentrating on the movement and my mind and body connect for the hour.

Kate is an excellent instructor, and I am very thankful to her.

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