Andy had been diagnosed with osteoarthritis in his hip and was told by one doctor that he wouldn’t be able to play professional sports again. Andy, being Andy, wasn’t going to take no for an answer and turned to a top orthopaedic surgeon who offered him a revolutionary hip resurfacing solution. Andy’s osteoarthritis was most likely caused by the brutal impact that tennis can have on your body due to repeated pressure on the hips with constant stopping, starting, turning, and torsion. This resulted in the deterioration of the joint ending up with bone on bone which is as painful as it sounds. Surgeons decided against the more conventional hip replacement procedure where the thigh bone and damaged socket are replaced with a metal, plastic, or ceramic component as it has a relatively high risk of dislocation, particularly for elite athletes. Instead, they went for hip resurfacing surgery where 4 to 5mm of the femur is removed and replaced with a metal cap. Murray played and won his first singles match seven months after the operation. He puts it down to dogged determination, discipline, working with a highly experienced physical therapy team, and, of course, PILATES!!
One of the key benefits of Pilates for athletes like Murray is its focus on improving core strength. The core muscles, including the abdominal and back muscles, play a crucial role in stability and balance, which are essential for athletic performance. Pilates exercises target these muscles, helping to improve posture and prevent injury. In addition to building core strength, Pilates also emphasises the importance of proper breathing techniques. This not only helps to oxygenate the muscles, but also allows for better control and focus during exercise, particularly for athletes like Murray, who rely on quick, explosive movements. Another advantage of Pilates for athletes is its low-impact nature. Unlike high-impact sports or workouts, Pilates puts less stress on the joints and muscles, making it an ideal form of exercise for those recovering from injury or for athletes looking to maintain their fitness during periods of rest or rehabilitation. Fingers crossed we get to see Andy in action on the court again soon!
