News & Info
Articles/References
Energy Medicine:
James Oschman, PhD
Biophysicist & Cell Biologist
Dr. James Oschman is an academic scientist and member of the Scientific Advisory Board for the National Foundation of Alternative Medicine in Washington, DC. He provides strict scientific evidence of energy medicine and has written Energy Medicine: The Scientific Basis to learn visit: http://www.energyresearch.bizland.com/index.html
Six Pillars of Energy Medicine by Finestein and Eden
This article discusses living beings are vibrations.
Communicating About Fascia: History, Pitfalls, and Recommendations by Helene M. Langevin, MD; Peter A. Huijing, PhD
Understand the different meanings of the word “fascia” and learn about the twelve specific terms which describe the specific aspects of fascial tissue.
Holistic Nutrition:
Libby Weaver, PhD
Holistic Nutrition Specialist
Dr. Libby Weaver is one of Australia’s leading nutritionists who studied the role of nutritional factors in children with autism. She examines the importance of hormones influencing our body type, fertility, appetite, response to exercise, clarity of thought, sleep patterns and more. She is the author the book called Accidently Overweight and has a website addressing common nutritional questions. To read more please visit her site at http://www.drlibby.com/?page_id=93
Myofascial Release:
Carol Davis, DPT, EDD, MS FAPTA
Professor Dept. of Physical Therapy at University of Miami Miller School of Medicine
Dr. Carol Davis has been practicing physical therapy for over 35 years. She currently resides in Miami where she is a Professor of Emerita in the Department of Physical Therapy at the University of Miami Miller School of Medicine and practices privately as a myofascial release physical therapist at Polestar Physical Therapy & Pilates Center. She is the author of Complimentary Therapies in Rehabilitation which discusses the importance of the science that supports complementary therapies, body work, mind/body work, and energy work.
Osteoporosis:
Sherri Betz, PT, GCS, Polestar Educator
Owner of Therapilates Physical Therapy & Gyrotonic Clinic
Sherri Betz, PT, GCS has been practicing physical therapy for 20 years. She travels internationally speaking about the importance of bone health and serves on the Professional Education Committee of the Foundation for Osteoporosis Research and Education (FORE). Sherri has written The Osteoporosis Exercise book, 2nd Edition and modified Pilates DVDs for special populations. To read more about by Sherri please visit her at http://therapilates.com/index.html
Modifying Pilates For Clients With Osteoporosis
by Sherri R. Betz, PT
Understand the risk factors of bone loss and the role of pilates with steoporosis clients. Sherri discusses contraindicated exercise movements and demonstrates alternative movements to maintain a healthy spine.
Postmenopausal Spinal Osteoporosis: Flexion vs. Extension Exercises
Spinal flexion can increase additional compression fractures. Read about the scientific support of avoiding spinal flexion with osteoporosis and emphasizing the importance of spinal extension.
Prenatal:
Exercise During the Childbearing Year by Roger L. Hammer, PhD, Jan Perkins, MSc, and Richard Parr, EdD, FACSM
Learn about the importance of pregnancy and exercise recommendations for active and non-active expecting moms to be.
http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC1595006/
Pain free Pregnancy by Beth Puliti
This article discusses the difference for pre/post pregnancy pilates workouts. (attach pdf file)
http://physical-therapy.advanceweb.com/Article/Pain-free-Pregnancy-4.aspx
Special Delievry by Jennifer Romanchick
Low back pain (LBP) is the most common complaint and can be debilitating if left untreated. Read more on the best exercises to help address theses issues. (attach pdf file)
http://physical-therapy.advanceweb.com/Article/Special-Delivery-10.aspx
Pilates Research Abstracts:
Derivation of a Clinical Prediction Rule for Identifying a Sub-group of Patients with Low Back Pain Likely to Benefit from Pilates Exercise by Lise Stolze, et. al
Identifying a sub-group of patients with low back pain (LBP) who are likely to benefit from Pilates exercises. (attach pdf file)
http://stolzetherapies.com/Research.aspx
Testimonials
"I've been working with Melissa after getting a recommendation from another personal trainer. I'm recovering from a cycling accident and have several issues: loss of strength and flexibility, limitations with movement on my right arm and loss of general fitness due to having been "couched" for several months. Melissa has helped me safely progress over several weeks and I'm already seeing improvements. Each meeting has added something else to help me reach my goal, which is riding my bike again, gaining fitness and using my right arm as fully as possible after my final surgery. I'll be taking my first ride this weekend and feel my body is ready for this first challenge. Thanks, Melissa!"
—Peggy Piagentini
"I started taking pilates classes with Melissa in June of 2009, and it was one of the best decisions I've ever made. I suffered from lower back and neck pain from several injuries, and pilates helped immeasurably. Melissa's pilates classes have improved my posture and flattened my stomach as an added bonus. I actually noticed a difference after just one session! Her classes make me feel long and lean. No wonder so many people rely on pilates to stay fit! It works, and Melissa is an awesome instructor. She's really hands on and explains everything well. Since she has a background in physical therapy, she's concerned about your posture and makes sure you're doing the moves correctly. I couldn't recommend her more highly!"
—Emily Burns
"Melissa helped prepare me and several others for the Livestrong Century. With her coaching, I built core body strength and cycling skills that helped me finish one of my strongest centuries ever! Melissa is professional, insightful and truly cares about you, your body, your form and your health. I highly recommend Melissa."
—Silvana Torik
"Melissa is very knowledgeable about the body and what it takes to get results. I have been working with her for several months, and her attention to detail as well as her inviting personality makes each workout not only productive, but fun as well. She has educated me and empowered me to be the best I can be."
—Mary Oliver
"After persistent back issues that cropped up while biking, I worked directly with Melissa to address those issues. Her knowledge of pilates, addressing specific areas, and focus on proper form helped me quite a bit. While I may have been feeling the burn due to specific exercises while performing them, I also felt their benefit out on the trail. My biking was stronger and my back much happier during extended climbs. She made a point of checking in on not only what activities I had planned, but also how I felt the weekend before after our prior session. Her professionalism, attention to detail and focus on proper form make her a great trainer."
—Jim Spring
"Melissa is professional, knowledgeable and creative in applying her knowledge to my specific requirements and objectives. In all my years of training, I've never thought I would get the kind of strength and balance to my core strength that I achieved with Melissa in such a short period of time. I would highly recommend Melissa! I would highly recommend her to anyone who is serious about improving their fitness and flexibility."
—Martin Lee
"Melissa makes even the hardest workout a joy with her kind and positive attitude. But, make no mistake, she is truly professional, using "tough love" by listening to excuses and gently steering me back on track. I enjoyed every one of my sessions with Melissa and learned so much from her."
—Maria Menard
"Melissa has been teaching a core fitness class at IPF for the past 6 months or so. She keeps us honest in our exercise — always picking up on poor form and low effort! I take this class as, without it, the back pain I have had for several years returns; with the class I am pretty much pain free — thanks to Pops"
—Ray Glasstone
"Melissa has been training me for several years now. She is one of the most insightful, thoughtful and knowledgeable instructors I have encountered. She really listens to the needs of her clients and puts in the extra hours to find ways to improve not only their fitness, but their overall health. Melissa takes on a thoughtful and complete approach with her clients, pulling from her knowledge and background in physical therapy, biology, psychology and a variety of sports and activities. Her dedication to her clients' well-being is impressive and inspiring. Not only does she have a wonderful approach with her clients, but she also has a great sense of humor, making it so much fun to work with her!"
—Isabelle Chiradia
