Hands up if you've had that heart-stopping moment when a client casually drops the bomb in a reformer pilates class, that they've picked up a new injury. It can be a total curveball, right? But fear not! With the right approach, you can turn this potential panic into a confident, supportive response.
Three Key Questions for Informed Decision Making
To help you navigate these situations with ease, here are three essential questions to ask your injured client:
Injury History: “When and how did you injure your [insert body part here]?” This gives you crucial information about the injury's timeline and severity.
Movement Limitations:
“Are there any movements that make your pain worse?”
“Are there any movements you can’t perform because of your injury/pain?”
“Are there any movements you’d prefer to avoid today or don’t feel comfortable performing?” This helps you identify which exercises to modify or avoid.
Medical Input: “Have you seen a healthcare professional about this injury? And did they have any recommendations for what you should or shouldn’t be doing?” This ensures you're aligned with any professional advice.
Why These Questions Matter
By asking these questions, you'll gain valuable insights to guide your actions:
Understanding the Injury Timeline: Knowing if the injury is recent (acute) or long-standing (chronic) helps determine the best course of action.
Identifying Limitations: This information allows you to modify or suggest alternatives for specific movements, creating a safe and comfortable class experience.
Addressing Client Apprehension: Understanding their concerns helps build trust and ensures they feel supported.
Aligning with Medical Advice: Respecting healthcare recommendations demonstrates your commitment to client well-being.
Create an Inclusive and Supportive Environment
By taking the time to ask these questions, you’re demonstrating care and creating a welcoming atmosphere for all clients. This fosters trust and encourages them to return to your classes.
Need more support? Check out the Pilates HQ App!
It offers a library of pre-made Reformer exercise sequences with varying levels of intensity, helping you confidently offer modifications and options for all clients.
By following these steps and utilizing resources like the Pilates HQ App, you can confidently handle client injuries and create inclusive, effective classes for everyone.
Do you have any other tips for handling client injuries?
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