[arlsandstrom]

Pilates is a very lovely exercise regime, I will probably continue to do the leg and core back strength stuff, but;

I went to a physio to try out clinical Pilates, after all the assessments etc which included no arm movements I finally get to do a class. This class is supposed to be clinical Pilates under the instruction of a specialist physio/pilates teacher. The first thing she asked me to do ( this is the physio that knows I have cervical ribs and has had two one on one sessions with me) can you pull your head to the side with your arm up? ( alarm bells ring) No I say, that would be bad. We then go through other strengthening exercises which involve holding myself up by my arms and using the large rubber bands. I tried it because I thought I was in safe hands. I have been in agony for 5 days now. It was ok while I was doing the exercises, a little week BECAUSE I NEVER USE MY ARMS ANYMORE! So there goes that idea. Vascular surgeon said not to do it, as if an activity hurts the first time it will keep hurting and we in fact don't want to strengthen the muscles, that will make them bigger and crowd the brachial nerves further.

Why, oh why do the supposed specialists not understand?

Very grumpy and in pain.

[Jomar]

You have to trust your gut, avoid most things that will stress or tension the neck muscles.

Pilates, I tried some of it years ago.. Seemed like too much static arm use or holding tension, or pulsing, was not good for me.

Rubber bands/tension were very bad for me early on (2003), but now I can do quite a bit with no prob.

It did take 2.5 years for me to get to a decent level of improvement.
Some of that was wasted time due to work comp delays & drs not knowing about TOS. But it also took a lot of self care, expert chiro, very good PT people and being off work..

Keep seeking out very good care team members.
If they are not helping to improve things for you move on..
Or if you hit a plateau , don't stay long if you see no improvements..

[cyclist]

I've been trying pilates in hopes of improving posture muscles....
I did 10 weeks worth and then signed up for another 10 weeks....but I have had quite a few flare-ups that I attribute to pilates sessions. Like you -- I am not sure its so good -- I do think there is alot of neck muscle tension going on and also lots of arms straight up, which is also not good. I am not sure I am going to continue....

I am wondering -- has anyone had success with Pilates and improving their symptoms?

[arlsandstrom]

Thanks JoMar and Cyclist, I am still I paint nd on four hourly codeine. It has been a full week now with agonising pain since Friday. And now two days off work. I have never experienced it this bad or so prolonged. It is starting to ease, but the uncles are just solo tight I have awful headaches and can't do anything- wont keep typing even.

Thanks for the support. Will et you know when the pain stops.

[Emilina]

I love Pilates and have been wanting to try attending class again soon as I'll be 5 weeks post op this week from partial rib resect. I didn't have any nerve issues (just vein compression) so I actually feel good but I am so nervous now that I know about TOS that my old workout habits could cause nerve symptoms or make this happen on the other side. My chest and upper arm muscles still get a bit sore/spasm from the surgery if I do too much... Planks definitely don't sound appealing yet. I guess all I can do is try and see what happens!