After months of chronic pain and fatigue, labelled as a fibromyalgia flare-up by the medics, I was searching for something to lift me out of the physical and emotional downward spiral I felt trapped in.
My Pilates instructor introduced me to Susannah who was holding FREE taster sessions at a new Wellness Centre opening the following day. We had a chat, and I signed up to her intro session without knowing anything about Yoga Tune-Up and the Roll Model Method.
So how did a twenty-minute taster session convince me this would be worth a try?
It was a fast-paced introduction in getting to grip with the Yoga Tune-Up Balls.
We explored a few different techniques, some stationary, some rolling. I think the foot routine was what hooked me!
For over a year, I had been having regular manipulation of my feet to realign the cuboid bone and massage to release symptoms of plantar fasciitis. Yet after a five-minute focus on feet using the small therapy balls, Susannah had me walking around the studio bare footed. This was something I had found unbearably painful to do even earlier that morning.
There's no denying the exercises were painful, but in a very satisfying way, and I participated fully throughout. As the session progressed, I could feel the deep-rooted pain start to dissipate and recall laughing on completion of shoulder and neck exercises as the release of tension was tremendous.
I tend to throw myself into things at full speed but having experienced the release of so much tension and pain in such a short session, I knew this was something I needed to respect. I have now worked with Susannah in a block of classes and several 1:1 sessions which included myofascial release, as well as a regular practice at home.
As a former Occupational Therapist, I have a good understanding of how the body works and feel empowered to check in with my body and then address my needs as required at that time. However, I feel the guidance and support from Susannah have been key to the progress I am making.
Some days I need to use techniques to stimulate, particularly if I'm feeling fatigued and other days I will look to de-sensitise an area or calm it down.
Using the soft Coregous ball also had a positive impact on my ability to relax and downregulate, this has become an important part of my now new daily routine.
Last week I cancelled my monthly chiropractor appointment as I felt my body was correctly aligned, and the usual pains were absent.
I have also made progress in Pilates as I can now complete some of the moves previously avoided due to pain and restricted range of movement. Not all my symptoms have gone, and as in the nature of fibromyalgia, some days are better than others but I now feel I have regained control of my physical and emotional well being and this self-care aspect of the Roll Model Method is the reason I would highly recommend it.
In summary, I would say that working with Body Mind Unwind has certainly had a hugely positive impact on my health and well being. I was emotionally low when I first met Susannah due to constant pain, This had resulted in my body locking into a state of tension and fatigue - a vicious circle! I now feel that with Susannah's support and guidance I have regained belief that I can overcome this and am looking forward to continuing to explore Yoga Tune Up. Sally age 49