About Movement Works
My 37 years as a physical therapist have led me to develop MOVEMENT WORKS, my own synthesis of physical therapy and Pilates. I fell in love with Pilates as a way to help myself and my clients develop ease, strength, and vitality in our bodies while reducing pain. Since 2008, I have been integrating Pilates into my PT practice, sharing this natural progression in my own self healing that has so much value for
my clients.
Hands-on work is sometimes a necessary ingredient in healing and I offer my extensive expertise in Craniosacral Therapy and Myofascial Release techniques to my clients as needed. I believe that people are their own best experts and our bodies have their own inherent wisdom. Healing is a dance of listening and learning from our bodies. It involves progress, feedback, pacing, and commitment.
Your time with me includes...
A detailed history and assessment of your posture, strength, flexibility and movement patterns and a discussion of your lifestyle and habits.
Together we will come up with a plan to help you meet your health goals. A session might include:
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Instruction in breathing
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Pilates Mat Exercises
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Pilates Reformer, a wonderful apparatus that allows ease of movement while limiting stress on vulnerable joints
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Craniosacral Therapy, a gentle hands-on technique that works with the soft tissues and bones of the spine and skull
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Myofascial Release to free up tense and tight soft tissues that are limiting your comfort and movement
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Relaxation techniques to help calm your mind and reduce unnecessary muscle tension
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Assistance to implement a home program
When you decide that you are ready to join a group class, everything will be in place to help you take charge of your own healing- you get to be the driver!
"I had severe sacro-iliac joint pain from a job with too much sitting. I had the joint injected with steroids to no avail and had been told by doctors to increase exercise but the pain made it too difficult. I was afraid I might have to have surgery. It was not long after I started taking Pilates with Mary Ellen that my pain was significantly better. She helped me with specific exercises and supports that has virtually eliminated the problem. Her gentle manner and suggestions of how to work with my body specifically made all the difference. Her knowledge as a physical therapist makes a big difference in isolating problem areas and knowing how to best remedy various symptoms with specific movements. I am now virtually pain free, can exercise as I wish, my balance has improved as well as other areas of stiffness. I always feel great when I leave the class." Jan
