Pioneering Cancer Pilates Rehabilitation Program Comes to Essendon/Moonee Valley Region

An innovative physiotherapy-based rehabilitation and fitness program designed specifically for women with cancer has launched in Australia and Windy Hill Physiotherapy Clinic in Essendon will be one of the first clinics in Australia to offer the service.

This program has been developed as a result of extremely exciting recent research showing many benefits to women with cancer, with some studies demonstrating the prospect of increased survival.

Called the “Pink Pilates Program”, the program of individually tailored exercises and activities is formulated and delivered by certified practitioners, with Emma Cransberg here at Windy Hill being amongst the first in Melbourne.

Emma says due to recent medical advances more women are surviving a cancer diagnosis. “Pink Pilates is the first program of its type in the world, and is dedicated to helping these women regain their physical strength and endurance and incorporate exercise into their lifestyle.”

“We will provide ongoing individual support to women recovering from cancer to improve fitness levels, return to sport and a more vibrant life following cancer diagnosis”.

Pink Pilates is a course of individually designed treatments including physiotherapy, resistance training, clinical pilates, fatigue management and exercise prescription.

Pink Pilates was developed by Auckland physiotherapist and athlete Lou James, who first piloted the dynamic Pink Pilates rehabilitation program in New Zealand in 2005.

Ms James launched the program in Australia with Auckland University academic and physician Professor Rod MacLeod, who has been involved in aspects of cancer research for 22 years.

Professor MacLeod says, “It is exciting to be involved in this important initiative. Recent research has demonstrated many benefits to women with cancer, with the prospect of increased survival in some studies. We are keen to give Australian women every opportunity to improve their lives, ” he says.

“We have had a fantastic response to the program already from practitioners keen to be involved and have had an overwhelming positive response from oncology and breast nurses, and cancer support charities, ” says Ms James.

Ms James says Pink Pilates not only gets cancer survivors exercising, but actively participating in walking, running, cycling, swimming and triathlon events throughout the country”.