Pilates for Fragile Backs

Advance Praise for the Book

“This book is a must-read for the able-bodied, those with chronic back ailments, as well as post-operative patients looking for a simple but effective exercise program to reduce pain and restore mobility and function.”

Oheneba Boachie-Adjei, MD
Chief of the Scoliosis Service
Hospital for Special Surgery, New York

“Pilates for Fragile Backs is an excellent program for people who have had spinal fusion. The simple but effective Pilates-based exercises will help tremendously in reducing pain and restoring mobility.”

Vijay Vad, MD
Professor at the Hospital for Special Surgery-Weill Medical College of Cornell University, New York and author of Back Rx and Arthritis Rx.

"This book is a much needed labor of love that offers clear and helpful advice for anyone who has ever lived with chronic back pain. The spine problems addressed in this book are very challenging ones for doctors and therapists alike, and the authors use their first hand experience with spinal trauma to break new ground for exercise therapy. A specifically modified Pilates program indeed offers the possibility of comfort and relief for a largely under-served group in our society.”

Ellen Kiley, RYT
Therapeutic Yoga
Specializing in Scoliosis and Spinal Fusion
Classes in Maine, Georgia and throughout the U.S.

“For several years I struggled with sciatic nerve pain as well as arthritis in my upper spine. Six months ago, by chance, I was introduced to the exercises in Pilates for Fragile Backs and have rediscovered how great it feels to be free of pain. The adrenaline rush I get from working on the equipment as well as the mat amazes me, too. After working with Ruth for a short time, I’m hooked; the stretches feel so great!”

Pamela E. Moore
Athletic Administrator
Clark University, Worcester, MA

“In my practice, I constantly emphasize the importance of proper spinal alignment, good posture and a strong mid-section. Pilates for Fragile Backs highlights these points in an easy to follow exercise program for patients suffering with chronic back pain. I have recommended this program to many of my patients, and they are thrilled with the results.”

Anthony S. Rainka, DC
South County Chiropractic
Sutton, MA

“As a physical therapist, I have been able to utilize the exercises in Pilates for Fragile Backs with my clients. They have shown a reduction in pain, an improvement in posture and balance, increased strength, and healthier muscle tone. Best of all, the program does wonders for their self-esteem.”

Pam Craig-Stewart, PT
Director of Rehabilitation
Christopher House
Worcester, MA

“…Adhering to a program of Pilates, as described in Pilates for Fragile Backs, under the guidance of a certified instructor can be a most useful means to improve back function and relieve pain. Clearly, this is a valuable therapeutic modality that is underutilized in today’s current pain management associated with spinal disorders.”

Charles Birbara, MD
Chief of Rheumatology
Worcester City Hospital, MA

Reader Reviews

“I am 62. I had my first spinal fusion in 1956 and, since at that time surgeons didn’t use hardware to hold the spine in place while it fused, I had to be in bed for a year!

Dr. Boachie-Adjei in New York City performed my second, revision surgery (T-4 to sacrum) a little over three years ago. My biggest problems after surgery were spasms and shoulder pain along the length of my incision. I’m essentially pain-free now, having followed a Pilates regimen before and after my surgery.

I learned Pilates with a certified personal trainer. I actually started three years before my surgery and it gave me a lot of pain relief even though my curves increased, necessitating the surgery. I also had a muscle therapist who performed myofacial release therapy, a special form of massage.

I highly recommend taking this book to a professional who will show you proper technique so that you avoid unduly stressing your fusion. Once you learn these exercises with an instructor, you can do them safely at home by yourself.

I told Dr. B. how helpful Pilates has been and recently found out that the Hospital for Special Surgery, where he practices, now has a Pilates program. Thank goodness the word is getting out that Pilates is the best way to approach fusion surgery – before and after the procedure.”

Karen Ocker
Montville, NJ

“I underwent an anterior/posterior fusion (L4-S1) over a year ago due to Degenerative Disc Disease with annular tears. I was working as a respiratory therapist in a very large area hospital and was struggling with increasing pain. I was a very hard worker and the pain made my work extremely challenging. My attitude, energy, sleep patterns and, most importantly, my relationships were being affected by it.

I started Pilates with an instructor about 18 months prior to surgery and it helped me to get strong and lose weight (40 pounds!). For this reason I went into surgery with a positive attitude, knowing that I was as prepared as possible, both physically and mentally, for the duress my body was about to undergo.

Pilates has done wonders for me. I re-started pursuing basic lumbar stabilization mat work a couple of months following surgery.  I had urged my neurosurgeon to allow me to begin sooner than usual because I’d had a big increase in pain.  My physical therapist felt it had to do with the stiffness that begins to set in as the weeks go by without stretching and exercising.

I had every confidence that Pilates would improve my situation. I swear by it! I've been back to work full-time. I am also walking about four miles, three days a week! I highly recommend the exercises in this book to anyone who has undergone spinal surgery.”

Diana Stahl
Cincinnati, Ohio

“Five years ago, at the age of 17, I had spinal surgery to correct severe double curvature scoliosis (degrees of 65 plus). A Harrington rod was attached to the length of my spine. I had subsequent pain in my lower back near my left hip. I couldn’t lie on my back, and some days it was very difficult to walk (resulting in a limp). I visited several specialists here in Australia and had facet joint injections and took medications – all to no avail. I was referred to physiotherapy as a last resort. The therapist diagnosed my pain on the first visit – since my surgery, my sacroiliac joint had begun to take on the entire weight of my body.

I started doing Pilates with the physio (at a public hospital) twice a week as well as pursuing other core-strength exercises. That has helped to reduce the number of bad days I have each week. I would say that Pilates has helped more than anything else I have tried. It is a long-term solution and a great alternative to painkillers.

My physio was great – like the authors of this book, he modified the exercises to take into account my fusion and resulting strengths and weaknesses. I have mainly used the mat and reformer.”

J.M.
Perth, Australia