Forward progress with physical therapy and Pilates boosts my confidence
I was pleasantly surprised I could complete all of the exercises
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Walking through the door for my first Pilates session in nearly six years, I felt a wave of nerves. The last six months had been a difficult recovery from a severely broken rib and a sprained diaphragm, injuries further complicated by Ehlers-Danlos syndrome (EDS).
I was anxious that engaging my core might worsen my symptoms. However, after several sessions of a specialized physical therapy called fascial counterstrain, both of my physical therapists (PTs) agreed I was ready to give Pilates another try. I trust my PTs, one of whom I’ve worked with for nearly 20 years and who is also cross-trained as a Pilates instructor, so I decided to go for it.
She began by having me lie on a Pilates table with a device resembling a dozen stress balls arranged in two parallel lines hugging either side of my spine. The purpose, she explained, was twofold: to encourage stabilization by testing my balance, and to offer a soft, gentle, massage-like sensation to the muscles along my back. She assured me that if it felt too intense, we could remove it, but I actually enjoyed the sensation.
We started out gently, doing a few arm and leg raises designed to heighten body awareness and ensure I was engaging the correct muscles. This is especially important with EDS, since it’s easy to compensate with whatever muscles “get the job done” rather than those intended for the movement. Over time, this habit can strengthen the wrong muscles and reinforce poor movement patterns, which may worsen EDS symptoms. It can even cause injury, as muscles are used outside their intended function. That’s why I avoid traditional workouts or resistance training without a trainer or PT to supervise and ensure my form is correct.
As the workout progressed, I was surprised by how manageable the exercises were and felt my confidence grow. Soon, we advanced to slightly more demanding movements that required more precise muscle control and deeper core engagement. Again, I was amazed to discover that I could complete them. Over the next half hour, we steadily increased the complexity of the exercises, knowing we could pause or adjust if needed.
To my relief, we never needed to stop. I was able to complete each new set of exercises, which felt like a major accomplishment. My confidence kept building as we transitioned from table exercises to equipment that demanded even greater physical focus. There were moments when I had to really concentrate, sometimes struggling to engage the right muscles, but after a few awkward repetitions, the movements became more natural. By the end of the hour, I had completed every exercise assigned to me and couldn’t help but smile.
I’d been so worried that I wouldn’t be able to manage even the basics that I almost didn’t try Pilates again — but I’m so glad I did. Sometimes, frustration with EDS can leave me stuck, afraid that any setback will erase my progress. This experience reminded me that embracing something new can be a powerful way to move forward and discover new opportunities for growth.
Note: Ehlers-Danlos News is strictly a news and information website about the disease. It does not provide medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. This content is not intended to be a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Always seek the advice of your physician or another qualified health provider with any questions you may have regarding a medical condition. Never disregard professional medical advice or delay in seeking it because of something you have read on this website. The opinions expressed in this column are not those of Ehlers-Danlos News or its parent company, Bionews, and are intended to spark discussion about issues pertaining to Ehlers-Danlos.
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