In this episode, Katie Crane dives into the topic of pelvic floor health for women in menopause and post-menopause. She highlights the importance of recognizing the unique physical changes women experience as they age and how these changes impact pelvic floor health. Katie explains the role of hormonal shifts, particularly the decline in estrogen, which can cause pelvic floor atrophy and symptoms like vaginal dryness, discomfort during intercourse, and urinary issues. She stresses the value of Pilates professionals categorizing women based on age and hormonal stages to offer appropriate support. Additionally, Katie touches on the significance of nutrition, specifically the role of protein, in preserving muscle strength during menopause.

Key Takeaways

• Recognizing bodily changes: It's vital for Pilates professionals to understand the specific physical changes that women face during menopause and post-menopause, particularly how these affect pelvic floor health.

• Hormonal impact: A decrease in estrogen can result in pelvic floor atrophy, which may lead to symptoms such as vaginal dryness, painful intercourse, and urinary complications.

• Age and hormonal categorization: Categorizing clients based on their age and hormonal state allows Pilates professionals to tailor their support to improve pelvic floor health.

• Nutrition's role: Protein intake becomes increasingly important during menopause, as it helps maintain muscle strength. Women may need to boost their protein consumption to meet these needs.

• Pilates exercises for pelvic health: Exercises focusing on breath work, dynamic core engagement, and working against gravity can effectively strengthen the pelvic floor and improve overall pelvic health.

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In this episode, I’m joined by Zoe Anderson, a passionate neurological physiotherapist with a deep-rooted love for Pilates. Zoe’s journey began at LaTrobe University, where she developed an immediate passion for neurological physiotherapy, graduating in 2010. She has since gained extensive experience across various clinical settings, combining her expertise in the Bobath concept with her love for Pilates. Zoe completed her Basic Bobath training in 2014 and earned a Graduate Certificate in Neurological Rehabilitation from Australian Catholic University in 2022.

We discuss how Zoe integrates Pilates with neurological physiotherapy to enhance strength, flexibility, posture, balance, and proprioception for her clients, particularly those with conditions like Parkinson’s disease and multiple sclerosis (MS). Zoe shares how her work at Neurological Physiotherapy Geelong, a clinic she co-founded, allows her to continue learning and applying her skills in Neuro Pilates.

Zoe highlights the importance of setting individualized goals, adapting Pilates practices, and fostering collaboration between healthcare professionals and movement practitioners to provide the best care for neuro clients. She also touches on the broader benefits of Pilates for brain health and its potential to prevent neurological conditions.

• Pilates and Neurological Physiotherapy: Zoe emphasizes the power of combining Pilates with neurological physiotherapy to address key aspects like strength, flexibility, and balance.

• Bobath Concept: This approach is central to Zoe’s practice, enhancing movement and functional abilities in her clients.

• Adaptation and Individualization: Pilates can be tailored to meet the specific needs of clients with neurological conditions, focusing on achieving meaningful, personalized goals.

• Collaboration: Zoe underscores the importance of working with other healthcare professionals to optimize care for neuro clients.

• Lifelong Learning: Zoe’s commitment to education is evident in her role as Chair of the APA Victorian Neurological Special Interest Group and her ongoing dedication to expanding her knowledge.

Zoe’s dedication to neurological physiotherapy and Pilates shines through in her work and her ongoing commitment to learning. Her unique blend of skills and passion for Neuro Pilates make her a standout in the field. This conversation left me inspired to delve deeper into the potential of Pilates for neurological rehabilitation and brain health.

Connect With Zoe Anderson

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/neuro.physio.geelong/

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/neuro.physio.geelong

Website: https://www.neurophysiogeelong.com.au/

Workshop: https://australian.physio/pd/pd-product?id=8914

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In this episode, I dive into the vital role of face-to-face mentoring in the Pilates industry. I'm concerned about the potential dilution of our practice and the pressing need for exceptional guidance. Through my visits to various Pilates studios, I've noticed troubling trends like incorrect cueing and a lack of understanding of the finer details in movements. It's crucial to honor the traditions of Pilates and maintain high standards in our instruction. I encourage studio owners to take on the role of mentors and create spaces that foster growth, ensuring the future of our industry.

Takeaways:

• Face-to-face mentoring is essential for Pilates instructors to refine their skills and truly grasp complex movements.

• The Pilates industry is at risk of being watered down, making it all the more important to uphold the standards of high-quality instruction.

• Incorrect cueing, such as telling clients to draw their belly button to their spine, can negatively impact movement and pelvic floor health.

• Online certifications should complement face-to-face learning, not replace it.

• Studio owners have the opportunity to become mentors and create environments that ensure the longevity and integrity of the Pilates industry.

Mentoring is more than just a way to pass on knowledge—it's a critical tool for preserving the integrity and depth of the Pilates practice. By stepping up as mentors and fostering face-to-face learning, we can ensure that future generations of instructors uphold the high standards that define our industry.

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