As an Occupational Therapist, many patients come to me who are in pain and are suffering from a variety of issues including breast cancer, repetitive stress injuries, musculoskeletal problems, and back pain. I use both Yoga and Pilates in my practice Integrated Mind and Body in Boston for relaxation, and to help prepare patients physically and psychologically for the treatments that I offer. They are often curious about the breathing and ultimately ask, “What is the difference between Pilates breathing and yoga breathing?”
Pilates breathing is “ribcage breathing” or three-dimensional breathing (breathing to the back and side of the ribcage). The breath is taken in through the nose, and exhaled through pursed lips. The benefits of this type of breathing are many. It relaxes and releases tension in tight chest and shoulder muscles as the exhale facilitates contraction of the transverse abdominas, multifidi, and pelvic floor. This in turn, activates the lymphatic system clearing the proximal lymph nodes located in the abdominal region.
Pilates is a great modality in working with breast cancer patients, especially those who have received mastectomies, lymph node removal or breast reconstruction. The breathing in Pilates helps my clients and patients to “get back in touch with their bodies” and to recruit the correct muscles. They tell me that they feel more relaxed, yet energized at the same time, after Pilates.
Yoga Breathing is “belly breathing.” In Yoga, the breath is taken in through the nose as the belly expands and then one exhales through the nose as the belly contracts. Yoga breathing helps to engage the parasympathetic nervous system, which calms us when we are in “fight or flight mode.” This promotes the relaxation response and allows muscles to lengthen, stretch and relax as it oxygenates the blood.
Yoga and Pilates breathing are forms of diaphragmatic breathing and are both useful in my practice. However, they work the body in different ways. I use either Pilates or yoga breathing depending on patient needs and what my treatment goals are for that day.
For more information on Pilates breathing for breast cancer recovery please look for the book, Pilates for the Breast Cancer Survivor: A Guide to Recovery, Healing and Wellness
Naomi Aaronson, OTR/L, CHT, CPI, CET, is an Occupational Therapist, Certified Hand Therapist, Cancer Exercise trainer (ACSM) and Pilates instructor. She has been an Occupational Therapist for over 20 years, and a hand therapist for for over 10 years. She has experience in working with pediatric to geriatric populations, and always incorporates her background in fitness. However, her passion has been working with patients with hand injuries, which also extended to working with Breast Cancer survivors. She is the owner of Recovercises for Wellness.
Ann Marie Turo, OTR/L, certified Yoga and Pilates Instructor, is a graduate of Quinnipiac University in Hamden, CT where she earned a degree in Occupational Therapy. Ann Marie has practiced Occupational Therapy for over 35 years in nearly every arena ranging from geriatrics to pediatrics, and from hand therapy to ophthalmic care. Throughout her career she has deeply studied Pilates, Hatha Yoga, Reiki, Essential Oils and has integrated these practices into her treatment interventions. She is the owner of Integrated Mind & Body, LLC in Boston.
Naomi and Ann Marie co-authored the book, Pilates for the Breast Cancer Survivor: A Guide to Recovery, Healing and Wellness
