A Preston man who credits Pilates with curing severe back pain has become a teacher so he can help others.
AdvertisementJonathan Waller was diagnosed with scoliosis and kyphosis in 2009. As a result, he suffered an abnormal curvature of the spine, which caused visual deformity along with severe pain and discomfort.
After trying NHS physiotherapy, and later seeing a chiropractor and sports therapist, Jonathan tried Pilates in 2015. Such was the impact it had on his life, he has now become a teacher so he can help others who are in a similar situation.
Jonathan said: “When I was diagnosed at 20 years old, I’d been in pain for as long as I could remember. I struggled to get out of bed and handle everyday life. I was taking prescribed and shop-purchased medication together to help numb the pain and discomfort so I could live some sort of normal life.
“Not long after being diagnosed I went to an NHS Physiotherapy department and was given exercises to do. These exercises did not help and made things worse than they already were. This is when I gave up and succumbed to the fact that nothing could be done to help me and that I’d live in pain for the rest of my life.
“A few years later I was introduced to a chiropractor. I was very sceptical at the time, but I persevered with it. After a while, I also began to see a sports therapist.
“The combination of a chiropractor and sports therapist helped me live a better life than I had previously. They both also convinced me – it took a while – to visit a Pilates studio and give a class a go.
“This is where life really took a drastic turn and I realised how powerful a tool Pilates can be when used correctly. I became more active, happier, confident and enjoyed life a lot more.
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“Since taking up Pilates, I have managed to cure my back pain and only intermittently find it to be an issue. I’ve also managed to straighten my spine. Visually you wouldn’t even be able to tell that I have a curvature at all.
“I have been doing Pilates for nearly four years now and find that I couldn’t live without my weekly classes and nightly routine.
“In 2018 I was approached by my teacher Jane Douglas with the opportunity to go on a teacher training course with BASI Pilates UK. I jumped at the chance because I wanted to understand my body and help myself.
“Since I’ve started teaching, I also see it as a tool for helping others who are in a similar situation.”
Jonathan teaches a mixed ability mat class every Monday at 7.30pm at The Mandala Preston in the city centre. He is looking to start up other classes in Ormskirk, Southport and Preston in the near future.
To find out more visit the Jonathan Waller Pilates website or follow on Facebook.
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What do you think about using Pilates to help back pain? Have you tried it? Let us know in the comments below.