I met Patricia one year ago in hopes to ease extreme pain caused by osteoarthritis in my left hip and lower spine. My leg was so weak that I couldn’t walk without a cane, and I was in constant, agonizing pain. Being a 65-year-old retired nurse, I was not ready to be limited by pain. I was ready to fight through it to regain my mobility and strength. 

I was first referred to a physiotherapist, but the pain didn’t ease. Then I tried aquafit, but I still felt terrible pain. It wasn’t until my niece recommended I try yoga. Upon my niece's recommendation for a yoga instructor, I went to Patricia’s morning Adapted Hatha for Aches and Pains class.

Although I’ve done yoga for several years just to stay in shape, with my limited mobility and extreme pain, I was worried I wouldn’t be able to do the poses. Before trying a class, I called Patricia to talk to her about my limitations and what I was hoping to achieve. Patricia listened patiently and recommended I try a class with adaptations to accommodate my needs.

At the beginning of our first class together, I couldn’t even bend my left leg to get into lotus position. I’m not going to lie; the first class was difficult, but I was determined to work through the pain. So many times after the first class I wanted to give up because my leg hurt so much, but I challenged myself and persevered. It was worth it. Patricia was there guiding me to try different ways to do the poses within my limits, offering equipment to help make the positions easier to do, and encouraging me to keep going. At the end of class I was able to get my leg close to being in lotus position! After seeing such an improvement after one class, I committed myself to attending classes regularly (twice/week). 

I can recall one appointment where I sat down with the orthopaedic surgeon. She looked around the room declaring, “Where’s your cane? You should be walking with a cane!” I explained the improvements I’ve experienced doing regular yoga classes, and the surgeon confirmed that she’s seen other patients improve through yoga. She even wanted Patricia’s information so that she could refer others to her!

By attending classes regularly with Patricia, and definitely by working hard every class, I was able to greatly reduce my pain medications. The classes still challenge me, but I push myself gently and Patricia helps me adapt the poses to my ability. I really like that Patricia is attuned to my limits and supports my healing journey.

The pain is still there, but it’s not bad. Now I feel that I can live! Aqua fit didn’t do it. Physio didn’t do it. Yoga did it. I’m even losing weight and seeing more shape in my body!

Patricia saved my life. She saved me from being in excruciating pain all the time and from walking with a cane. Each class I can do more than I did the class before. I still go twice a week because this is what’s keeping me mobile, walking without a cane, and off heavy medications.

I’m now 66 years old and things are getting better, not worse. My orthopedic surgeon cancelled tests and instead said keep doing what you're doing and come back in a year for follow up.

Everyone should do this. We have a large aging population in the Sault. Everyone should go see Patricia because she can help them get into yoga and to find the benefits of attending regular classes. Thank you, Patricia, for helping me to find the strength within to heal.

Dianne