PHYSIOTHERAPIST AND CLINICAL PILATES INSTRUCTOR, MICHELLE LEE TALKS ABOUT WHAT KEEPS HER EXCITED ABOUT HER DISCIPLINES AND WHAT SHE TURNS TO FOR SELF-CARE DURING THIS TIME.
What keeps you excited about Clinical Pilates/Physiotherapy?
While I love Pilates in a classical sense, what I really love about Clinical Pilates is that it isn’t restricted to a series of exercises. Clinical Pilates draws on the main Pilates principles, but the number of exercises are endless. As a Physiotherapist, even when clients don’t specifically book in for Clinical Pilates, a large part of my rehabilitation involves pilates anyways (I just won’t necessarily call it that). All in all, I love that the two disciplines go hand in hand, so I’m never just practicing “physiotherapy” or being a “pilates instructor”, I’m always doing both!
What can a patient expect from a consultation/treatment with you?
I always start by getting a history. We’ll discuss why they’ve come to see me and most importantly, short and long term goals. I’ll look at how their body is moving ie: any mobility restrictions and/or strength deficits and tailor a program specific to their needs. From a physiotherapy POV, manual therapy, when necessary, is also part of the treatment plan. Clinical pilates will involve an abundance of mat work but also the use of equipment ie: reformer, tower, springboard etc. The equipment is a bit intimidating to look at, but I can assure you it’s fun!
Your top tip?
This is a shoutout to all the desk workers out there… take frequent breaks! Even if you have an ergonomic desk set up, it’s important to get up every 30-60 minutes, even if it’s just for a couple minutes. Move your body in all directions, stretch, go to the loo, make a tea etc., etc. It sounds ironic, but you’ll feel less tired if you do so.
Your favourite at home exercise?
Bridges! I think everyone should start their day with 15-20 bridges. It’s the perfect exercise for spinal mobility, stability, core engagement and firing up the posterior chain muscles. It’s also great for opening up the front of the hips, which so many of us need.
What has been your go to self-care during this time?
I swear I’m not just saying this…. Pilates. I’ve been doing an hour a day of mat work, 5-6x a week. These days, I’m not moving around as much as I normally would, so my body has craved it more than ever. While it addresses my physical body, I also find it’s a form of meditation. I’m so focussed on what I’m doing, I don’t have time to make lists in my head (which I do far too often) or let my thoughts wander to anything besides what I’m doing in the moment.