In short, YES. Absolutely!
Upwards of 65,000 people in the UK have a colostomy, so you have surely met a few people with one (and probably had no idea they had it). Pilates is a fantastic way to ease back into exercise after your surgery as the movements are gentle, with no impact, and you are reminded to take things at your own level.
Most Pilates participants will have their own injuries or issues they are working around too, and as much as you can’t see their bad shoulder, they cannot see your stoma bag. In the same way that the instructor will discreetly give the shoulder client their options and encourage them to work within their capabilities, you will receive any adaptations required with the same tactful approach and be encouraged to maintain correct technique at your own level. This means that often people are not doing the same option in Pilates, so on occasions where you would find another movement more comfortable, you are not likely to be the only one with a different option, and your instructor could never tell anyone else why you had a different option as they are bound by data protection laws.
How soon after surgery can I attend?
Provided you were active prior to your surgery and have no complications, you can attend Pilates as early as 12 weeks post surgery (with the permission of your health professional). You will need to start gradually and not rush back. You have had major abdominal surgery, and your body will take time to heal. In the fullness of time there should be nothing you cannot do normally. Pilates is a long journey anyway as you have to create mind body awareness where there perhaps wasn’t any before. Neuromuscular pathways will need to be created to allow you to contract muscles you didn’t realise you could control, and this takes time. There is no rush. Take your time. If you would feel more comfortable 1:1, ask your local instructor if they do 1:1 sessions. This may help you feel more at ease about what you are able to do, and any options you may need in these early stages. You don’t have to attend ‘specialised’ sessions however small group sessions do tend to focus more on individual technique, so you may find this benefits you more than a large class where the instructor will have a lot of people to focus on.
Over time, is there any exercises I cannot do?
If you have been a colostomate for many years, you may start your Pilates journey exactly as any other beginner would. There is nothing you cannot try, and if for any reason you find any particular positions uncomfortable that day (such as laying on your front) then let your instructor know prior to class so they can easily give your option discreetly. Most colostomates have no problem with any of the Pilates exercises or options, and enjoy the postural benefits the exercises bring.
Do I have to look for an instructor with a specific qualification to help me?
No. Pilates is what is a ‘Level 3’ qualification, so you need an instructor who is trained as a level 3 Pilates Instructor. After that instructors have the opportunity to learn further and gain their Exercise Referral qualification which does not specifically include colostomy surgery however does include a greater level of anatomy and more options for dealing with common issues. An instructor with an exercise referral qualification may have more ideas up their sleeve to give you appropriate options, however this is not strictly necessary.
