Physiotherapist launches unique men's cancer recovery program
Date Updated:
An innovative physiotherapy-based rehabilitation and fitness program designed specifically for men with cancer will be launched across Australia and New Zealand next month.
Auckland physio and athlete Lou James, who designed and first piloted the dynamic Pink Pilates rehabilitation program for women with cancer in 2005, will launch Steel Pilates in 20 regions, from Invercargill to Kerikeri in New Zealand, and in Australia at Darwin, Brisbane, on the Gold Coast and in Melbourne.
Ms James said the program was designed to help men refocus from illness to wellness through a course of 10 individually designed treatments including physiotherapy, resistance training, clinical pilates, fatigue management and exercise prescription.
“Due to recent medical advances more men are surviving a cancer diagnosis,” she said.
“The Steel Pilates program is dedicated to helping these men regain their physical strength and endurance and incorporate exercise into their lifestyle.
“We aim to not only get cancer survivors exercising but actively participating in walking, running, cycling, swimming and triathlon events throughout the country.”
Ms James has developed the program with Auckland University Professor and physician Rod MacLeod, who has researched the benefits of exercise for men recovering from prostate cancer.
Ms James said 40 physiotherapists from New Zealand and Australia have signed up for the first Steel Pilates certification training course.
“We have had a fantastic response to the program already from physiotherapists keen to be involved,” she said.
“We have also been overwhelmed with the positive response from oncology nurses, urologists and cancer support charities – as there are so few services available for men.”
Ms James said Steel Pilates physiotherapists will help patients overcome the significant physical and functional impairments suffered following cancer surgery and treatments, which often act as a barrier to exercise.
“It is the role of a Steel Pilates physiotherapist to teach clients what they can do to help themselves to feel strong again, help clients understand why their bodies are reacting to the surgery and treatments in certain ways, and provide information to help them feel more in control of their bodies and their lives again,” she said.
For more information visit www.steelpilates.com
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