16 CECs. Breast, abdominal and pelvic cancer survivorship have become common chronic conditions for a number of people, especially women, due to the length women live and so living longer in survivorship. Come away with confidence in serving this much-needed population as Pilates and movement practitioners.
Breast, abdominal and pelvic cancer survivorship have become common chronic conditions for a number of people, especially women, due to the length of women live and so living longer in survivorship.
A survivor gap exists between initial intensive medical treatment and most follow-up care. More importantly, Pilates environments provide respite to an over-burdened medical system and allow survivors autonomous decisions for follow-up care for their specific needs. The term survivor gap recognizes this gap in cancer care for the survivors who are “lost in the transition from patient to survivor” where survivors are now “out on their own”. A survivor is anyone who has been diagnosed with cancer. Two-thirds to three-fourths of survivors will experience late effects from treatment (past the first stage) which include not only systemic effects of cardiac or liver damage but also the functional limitation effects of lack of balance control, muscle weakness, loss of range of motion, endurance, and pain. Recommendations focus on extending lifespan, increasing quality of life, and managing long-term side effects of treatment. The Pilates Environment with its therapeutic capability is an excellent medium to guide these growing populations who have undergone a life-altering experience. Meet the pressing need of clients living with the aftereffects of cancer. Learn specific applications in the Pilates environment and discover how you can facilitate the restoration of reconstruction procedures and avoid lymphedema risks.
A special feature is three guest speakers in the LAB component: Module 1 LAB video features Emilee Garfield, NCPT and founder of Cancer Core Recovery who describes her treatment journey, Module 2 LAB video features Melinda Teutschel of Smart Body teaching somatic elements of breathing, and Module 3 LAB video features Joy Puleo, a Balanced Body Educator describing how her passion to help cancer survivors evolved.
Specific contraindications to Pilates and the benefits of Pilates will be explained. Course content also reviews the structural assessment and current research on the positive rationale for exercise for cancer survivors. Guidelines on how to progress clients, avoid lymphedema, and prescribe a complete physical program will be explained.
Come away with confidence in serving this much-needed population.
Upon completion of the course, participants have the opportunity to test out and join the evidence-based Level 2 Advanced Qualification Master Program, a mentoring program leading to the authorized use of the Master designation.
Course Objectives
Upon completion of this course, participants will be able to:
- Perform an assessment to identify cancer treatment physical limitations, and treatment’s secondary limitations, as well as differentially diagnose fatigue and pain syndromes.
- Describe and apply an evidence-based rationale for physical therapy intervention in the rehabilitation and post-rehabilitation phases for survivors.
- Safely apply guidelines and contraindications for therapeutic treatment.
- Perform a functional evaluation to identify core/trunk strength as well as weight-bearing (pelvic and lower extremity) movement dysfunctions.
- Learn mat and apparatus Pilates-based exercises appropriate for those undergoing acute treatment as well as those in chronic survivorship.
- Identify contraindications for Pilates/ exercise and plan appropriate movement sessions in the therapeutic application of the Pilates Method and its environment.
- Set up a home well-being program for managing the chronic condition of cancer survivorship.
- Devise a comprehensive post-rehabilitation physical program for breast, abdominal, and pelvic cancer survivors.
