A new pilates program at the Davis Family YMCA in Boardman is helping stroke survivors regain strength, mobility and quality of life.

Local veteran Dave Burns is benefitting from the program.

Burns spent 14 years in the Air Force, flying F-15's during Operation Just Cause in Panama, and Operation Desert Storm and Desert Shield in the Middle East. He then flew commercial airlines for Delta.But in August 2010, he was hit with a stroke.

"It wiped out the whole left side of my body," said Burns."I'm blind, everything, over this way,I can't move my arm,I couldn't move my leg."

Pilates instructor Doretta Hegg knew the Reformers pilates benches could help Burns. She researched the machines and convinced the YMCA to buy a few.

"At firstI was a little skeptical, but when you can't move, you'll try anything," said Burns.

During the last 18 months of physical therapy, Burns has regained strength and some motion on his left side. Hegg explained just how this painfulprocess took place.

"Shoring in the shoulder to get those muscles that sling the arm in stronger, getting his leg stronger so he can go from sitting to standing," said Hegg.

Burnssaid some days are tougher than others, but he always feels better after the hour-long sessions three times a week.

"If there's a silver lining to a stroke, she's it," said Burns. "Because she was as good for me emotionally as she was with these machines, because she's a wonderful person."

Read more from the original source:
Pilates Program Helps Stroke Victims Recover