Issue #299 – Wednesday, April 29, 2020
My Personal “Return to life through Contrology” Post Stroke
by Tacye Lynnette
[Note from the Editor: This article was written prior to the COVID-19 pandemic.]
One year ago, on April 27, 2019, I had a right ACA infarct (ischaemic) stroke. It came seemingly “out of the blue” with no rhyme or reason as to why, and it’s still baffling the medical community! This is the story of my recovery so far. I can only speak for myself and am cognisant that each person’s stroke is unique, as is each stage of recovery.
It was an extraordinary event. Painful and yet, in my case, not frightening when it occurred. Fear came later. A comforting thought for me in the initial days and weeks was that a stroke isn’t degenerative, so the damage I suffered wouldn’t increase – it would either stay the same or improve with time. Therefore, I was on the road to recovery from the instant it ceased.
When it happened, my immediate mantra was “stand on your own two feet” which I remembered from a story of Kathy Grant’s first meeting with Joseph Pilates!
I knew I had to draw on everything I ever learnt on my Pilates journey. Over the years, I had been incredibly lucky to have met and worked with some amazing mentors and been enriched from learning from the elders. Indeed, everything they passed on to me came into play the second I was able to think coherently.
It gave me the strength to rise from the floor and remain focussed on what needed to be done. When I met with my consultant the first time, he was shocked at how ‘able’ I was, belying what the MRI was showing him. I attribute this to the many years of learning and practising the method along with a generous measure of pure luck!
As my recovery slowly and steadily progresses (teaching me “patience and persistence”) and I do my daily walks around my local park (“open air is Nature’s tonic”), I see and feel every exercise in my increasingly stronger movement. I see echoes of them in the world around me, the animals at rest and play, the birds in flight, the hypnotic sway of tree limbs in a gentle breeze – bending not breaking as that external force increases. Each gives me a deeper insight into the way Joseph Pilates viewed the natural world around him, that he developed into his amazing method that helps us regain and maintain the beauty and grace of our animal body.
The air I breathe is the very essence of life (“our very life depends on it”) and I revel in the healing and joy I get from fresh air, in the squeezing of “every atom of impure air from my lungs”.
Early days saw me working with my hand tens-o-meter to strengthen the weakness in both hands (both my arms were affected by the stroke). It was shocking to find what came easily pre-stroke suddenly became so difficult. A preview of things to come! Even now, if I overdo things or have a particularly trying ‘stroke fatigue’ day, the weakness returns like an old friend.
When lying in bed, before being able to get onto any equipment, I practised ‘footwork’ and visualised my way through the mat exercises. Once in the studio, I initially found lying on my reformer too stressful, too vertiginous. So, I sat on my high chair (I of course mounted correctly!). It gave me stability and a sense of wellbeing, and such marvellous feedback. With a light spring setting, I slowly went through the various positions, with plenty of rest needed between each one.
As my legs got stronger (I’ve a weakness running down my left leg), I progressed to standing pumps, bent knee front and side. The cross-body moves were vital to help my brain re-map coherent movement. The pedi-pull was fabulous as it lined up my spine and reintroduced me to dealing with gravity under load.
My balance board helped me keep my back-line long and, with eyes closed, regain self-trust.
As soon as I was able, I got onto my reformer. Progressing onward from footwork, I added leg circles and then stomach massage (culminating with twist), helping to rebalance the various rotations running through my body.
The day I did the 100 on the reformer, I felt like I had won a gold medal.
But I do tend to push myself too hard; this can wipe me out for days, sometime weeks. I’m learning to listen more attentively to my body. It knows best – little and often rather than too much and then enforced rest! These are just a few examples of exercises that have helped my personal ‘Return to life through Contrology’.
Knowing the ‘method’ and practising it regularly prior to my stroke has been a lifeline I have clung to. Having the work ‘in my body’ kept me going when I could barely stay awake or move without dreadful fatigue, and kept my body functioning as ‘normally’ as possible even though it was so tempting at times to give into the physical weaknesses I have been left with. That’s not to say I don’t falter at times; I do on numerous occasions. I must realise that sometimes it’s not the right time, just yet, for that particular challenge, however frustrating it may be. Accepting that means I am finally learning to forgive myself! The years of practising Pilates continue to facilitate my slow but steady progress. The enforced change in my pace of life has afforded me the time to gain a deeper insight into the work and I acknowledge just how profound the effect it has had on me.
“Rome wasn’t built in a day” and don’t I know it! Ironically my name (Tacye) has Roman roots and means ‘tenacious’. I’m well-named as tenacity is in my blood!
I want to extend my heartfelt thank you to the Pilates community here in the UK and around the world who have supported me from day one. You are my family and I am eternally grateful that I became part of it almost 20 years ago. I am especially grateful to those Pilates teachers who have also experienced a stroke and helped guide me through my trials and tribulations. Their personal stories and support have given me courage and optimism.
So, to reiterate, each stroke is unique as is each stage of recovery. It can be depressing, sometimes lonely and even painful but it is also a re-birth. Everything is stripped away, leaving a blank page to be written upon. How marvellous is that!
I have gained a deeper love and respect for Joseph Pilates, the legacy he has given us. He is my hero and inspiration, and, through my stroke, I have found a deeper understanding of his work.
I can’t wait to pass it on….
Tacye has been involved in Pilates for over nineteen years. It has become a way of life work for her.
Since discovering Pilates, Tacye has endeavoured to develop her abilities in strength, flexibility, balance, concentration and creativity. She strives to pass on her passion and knowledge to her students.
Tacye was certified by CPM (Contrology Pilates Method), in full classic Studio equipment and Matwork. Prior to that, she was certified by Stott in their full matwork programme.
She diligently explores all aspects of the work and regularly updates her education. This includes a great interest in on-going scientific research and development around fascia, and how it relates to the original work of Joseph Pilates.
Her goal is to help stimulate the most positive qualities in those around her. Professionally, her extensive training, experience and in-depth knowledge allow her to respond to individuals both within a class and working privately one to one.
Tacye teaches in NW London and though not well enough to resume teaching at present, hopes to do so as soon as she is able.