Pilates Training in Recovery from a Fractured Pelvis

In December I experienced an injury to my pelvis and had a resulting surgery. You can read about my injury and recovery here: LarryRacesBikes

Recently I have been able to add Some pilates into my routine and wish to share my exercises, experience and frustration here.

As a result of my injury and the subsequent surgery my Psoas (Hip Flexor) was shot as were my Adductors (inner thigh) of my left leg. While laying flat on my back I could not lift my left foot from the floor and if I was not careful my left leg would fall toward the floor as I did not have the strength to hold it in.

3 months after my surgery I was given permission to start weight bearing exercises – so this is also the first chance I have to get back on the Pilates equipment. Until this time my exercises were all Open Chain exercises (where the foot is not planted) and I had to be careful of the hip socket, not to do anything that could affect the healing of the acetabulum. Until now exercises included:

• Bridging
• Leg Lifts / Leg Changes
• Straight Leg Lifts
• Side Lying Clam Shells
• Leg lifts while laying on the belly
• Single Leg Kicks
• Standing Straight Leg Lifts
• Standing Side Leg Lifts
• Standing Legs to the back

With weight bearing I can go Closed Chain – where I can anchor my leg into the floor, or in the case of Pilates, on the foot rest and eventually with the feet in the strapsdd. I don’t know why I am surprised about the discrepancy in leg strength between my left and right leg but it is huge. It feels good to do foot work again but my leg and foot become extremely fatigued very quickly.

Ab work needs to be taken from a sitting position – Short Box – as I still don’t have the strength to hold my legs together while laying supine. I want to get some hip work in but don’t have the strength to work with legs in straps — so I place the straps around my knees for a shorter lever. I am still limited to what I can do.

Today my exercises include:

• FootWork
• Short Box Abdominals
• 100’s (very recently added as I have increased inner thigh strength), until this time I have been doing the 100’s with the feet flat on the floor.
• Hip Work with straps above the knee
  Modified Openings
  Modified Cirles
  Hip Extension
• High Bridges
• Stretches
• Seated Arm Work for Upper body
• Standing Leg Press at the Wunda Chair for strength and balance
• Step Barrel – Side abdominals
• Mermaid
• Back extension exercises

I am hoping that others who integrate Pilates into rehabilitation can get something from this. Please feel free to contact me if you have any questions regarding your own training or work with your clients. Having had this injury does give me a better understanding of the process of regaining strength after a major trauma, but also an appreciation that one can heal with persistence and patience.