Case Study - Karyn 1

Background
Karyn, mother of 2, underwent C-section 4 months ago. While caring for her new born she developed moderate lower back pain during recent Chinese New Year. MRI confirmed that she suffered from L4/5 disc herniation. She does not want to take oral pain killer as she is nursing, instead she choose to manage her pain by practicing Pilates.

She has always been active. Prenatally Karyn runs regularly to build stamina and resistant trains to strengthen joints. She then switched to cross-trainer until 7th month pregnant when her weight gain induced knee pain.

She has also tried fundamental Pilates matwork & reformer at a professional Pilates studio in HK.

Medical History

• Hip injury from a fall
• Carpal tunnel symdrome on right wrist, treated with physiotherapy
• Lateral knee pain due to running
• Ankle sprains
  

Body Assessment

• Forward neck posture
• Slight thoracic scoliosis, contributing to unbalanced shoulders and raised, prominent left sacrum & leaning on right ankle
• Moderate knocked knees & foot pronation.

Fitness Assessment
Score = 2.6
Generally she has good flexibility (possibly due to the post-natal oxytocin level in her body) but lack of upper body and core strength. Her prenatal fitness level and Pilates experience may have contribute to her good body awareness.

Exercise for Today

1. Lateral Breathing - to learn efficient breathing pattern thru fully utilise intercostal space intead of purely thru accessory breathing.
   
2. Pelvic Tilt - to find neutral spine
3. Chest Curl - to learn to initiate deep transverse abdominus
4. Basic Bridging - to learn spinal articulation, strengthen hamstring