In this insightful episode of It Happened To Me, we are joined by Ryan Hodgkinson, a highly respected Pilates instructor whose journey into fitness was profoundly shaped by his personal battle with Crohn’s disease. With over two decades of experience in martial arts and personal training, Ryan has developed a unique approach to Pilates that caters to the individual needs of his clients.

Ryan Hodgkinson, PMA® CPT, ACE CPT, was first introduced to Pilates by his sister Heidi, a licensed Physical Therapist and certified Pilates Instructor, to help him with ruptured discs he suffered as a result of numerous abdominal surgeries.

Recognizing the benefits that Pilates provides towards overall health and physical fitness, he completed his 750 hour comprehensive Pilates Machine and Apparatus​​.

Certification in 2008 and has been teaching Pilates full-time ever since. In addition to teaching Pilates, Ryan is a Certified Personal Trainer, TRX Instructor and has 23+ years practicing and teaching martial arts. Ryan draws from all aspects of his training and years of experience to create tailored programs for individual client's needs. ​

Episode Highlights:

Understanding Crohn’s Disease:

• Definition: An inflammatory disease causing swelling in the digestive tract, often affecting the small intestine.
• Symptoms: Diarrhea, fever, fatigue, abdominal pain, blood in stool, mouth sores, reduced appetite, and more.
• Complications: Bowel obstructions, ulcers, fistulas, malnutrition, increased colon cancer risk, and other health problems.

Diagnosing and Treating Crohn’s:

• Diagnosis: Typically involves a combination of medical history, physical exams, and specialized tests.
• Causes and Risk Factors: Unknown exact cause; factors may include immune system triggers, heredity, age, ethnicity, and certain medications.
• Treatment: Anti-inflammatory drugs, corticosteroids, immune system suppressors, and biologics.

Ryan’s Personal Journey:

• Diagnostic Journey: Insights into how Ryan’s journey with Crohn’s began.
• Impact of Martial Arts: The role of karate in Ryan’s physical and emotional recovery.
• Living with Ostomies: Experiences and challenges during high school and college.
• Family and Advocacy: The crucial role of family support and advocacy in coping with Crohn’s.

Transition to Pilates:

• Career Decision: How Ryan’s health journey influenced his career in Pilates.
• Pilates and Chronic Pain: The benefits of Pilates for chronic back pain and overall health.
• Misconceptions about Crohn’s: Debunking common myths based on Ryan’s experiences.

Incorporating Pilates Principles:

• Principles: Concentration, control, core strength, fluidity, precision, and breathing.
• Training Programs: Tailoring programs for individuals with chronic pain or post-surgery recovery.
• Mind-Body Awareness: Enhancing overall well-being through Pilates.

Advocacy and Pain Management:

• Alternative Strategies: Advocating for alternatives to opioids, like Pilates and physical therapy.
• Personal Insights: Managing pain from scar tissue and nerve issues with specific exercises.

Ryan recommends that people check out ostomy.org for further information.

Stay tuned for the next new episode of “It Happened To Me”! In the meantime, you can listen to our previous episodes on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, streaming on the website, or any other podcast player by searching, “It Happened To Me”.

“It Happened To Me” is created and hosted by Cathy Gildenhorn and Beth Glassman. DNA Today’s Kira Dineen is our executive producer and marketing lead. Amanda Andreoli is our associate producer. Ashlyn Enokian is our graphic designer.

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