Physiotherapist thinks pink
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Physiotherapist thinks pink A unique physiotherapy rehabilitation program for women with cancer is spreading its wings across Australia and New Zealand. The brainchild of Auckland physio and athlete Lou James, Pink Pilates features manual physiotherapy, resistance training, clinical pilates, breathing techniques, fatigue management and exercise prescription specifically designed for women with cancer. Ms James first piloted the program in Auckland in 2005. Three years later she launched it nationally before it arrived on Australian shores in 2009. Pink Pilates has since grown to include 60 certified physiotherapists working in 30 regions throughout New Zealand and Australia, with more soon to follow. Ms James said more than 55 percent of referrals to the program came from oncology nurses, breast nurses, physicians and surgeons. “With people undergoing cancer treatment everybody responds differently,” she said. “Our physiotherapists need to be able to understand those side effects and how they affect physiological functioning and then modify the program so that the patients are getting the best value and the best effect on that individual. “Our certified physiotherapists also have to attend professional development courses to remain certified.” Ms James said more than 1500 New Zealanders and about 500 Australians recovering from cancer have taken part in the program since its inception. And she said working with women on their road to recovery was extremely rewarding. “A cancer diagnosis is a very long hard journey for women and it is great to be really able to help them through it,” she said. “The Pink Pilates sessions really help women change focus from illness to wellness and it’s inspirational to see.” Ms James took two breast cancer survivors to run their first half marathon on the Great Wall of China last year, highlighting the benefits of exercise for cancer survivors and also helping to raise $20,000 in funds for the registered Pink Pilates Trust, in a bid to help more women through the program. “The whole exercise was such a wonderful experience on so many levels,” she said. “I look at Judith who was one year out from chemotherapy and hope other women with breast cancer draw inspiration from her and remain positive despite how hard their journey may be. “And Jodie, who had never been a runner in the past, said she felt stronger physically and mentally than she ever had after completing the half marathon.” # For more information visit www.pinkpilates.co.nz Related articles: Share your thoughts Featured JobsTrainer - Aged Care & Community Care qualificationsNationwide Training Solutions Melbourne East - (18-05-2012)
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