Rob S
Personal Training long term and 8 weeks Pilates one to one (2017)
Age 37
Rob and I have been working together since 2011. He came to me after he was discharged from his physiotherapist following a quad bike accident whilst on holiday. He still had a very pronounced limp and change in his walking gait. He also lacked confidence to fully trust and use his right leg due to the damage done.
Initially we focused on improving his confidence and the stability and strength of his lower limbs. We then looked at his posture and stress management. After 6 months, Rob had made a huge improvement and we were able to start using a treadmill, first to walk on but then built up to running.
In 2015 Rob suffered a torn Achilles’ tendon and after referring to a physiotherapist for shock wave therapy, he was advised this was due to the lack of hip rotation caused by the initial accident. We then began focusing on improving his hip. I later suggested he try acupuncture to help with scar tissue and this, along with the Pilates, has made a huge improvement to his hip mobility and pain.
During our sessions we focus not only on strength and general fitness but on constantly improving his management of his initial injuries as well as his posture and mobility in his spine.
The Plan of Action:
- increase mobility in Rob’s spine, particularly mid and upper back
- lengthen the pectoral muscles to assist with better posture
- improve thoracic/upper back extension and lumbar flexion to help combat kyphotic/lordotic posture type
- strengthen and lengthen hip flexors to help assist in hip alignment
- improve mobility of the hip to aid in pain reduction and alignment
- improve strength of the deep stabilising muscles
- increase hamstring length and flexibility
- increase shoulder stability and strength
The Results
On the whole Rob has seen vast improvements to his body. He no longer walks with a limp and can play golf with very little impact on his hip or ankle. Although the hip does cause some discomfort when he particularly stressed, on the whole his movement is better and there is a significant improvement in the pain and discomfort.
Rob is also generally more aware of his posture at work and does make an effort to try and keep mobile and active throughout the day, so he doesn’t become ‘stiff’ and achy.
Before:
After:
