ARTICLES

6.7 min read
Best hydration drinks when you have an ileostomy
*This article is intended for information only and is not intended to be medical advice. Get personal advice from your doctor or specialist. It’s fair to say that the hydration drink market has exploded over ... READ MORE
3.5 min read
Pilates or Yoga? which is best for people with a stoma?
I’m hearing more and more from people having stoma surgery that their nurse has told them to do Pilates as part of their recovery. This is brilliant and a million miles away from ‘don’t lift a ... READ MORE
9.2 min read
Support garments, stomas and hernias – do they really help?
Support garments don't actually prevent hernias. It might come as a surprise to learn that there is no conclusive evidence from randomised controlled trials proving that support garments can prevent hernias. The lifetime risk of developing ... READ MORE
9.2 min read
Navigating menopause with a stoma
Navigating menopause when you already live with a stoma can bring about a whole host of additional challenges. In this article I'll take a look at these challenges and things you can do to help ... READ MORE
1.3 min read
What is Clinical Pilates?
My methods at The Ostomy Studio are underpinned by the concept of clinical Pilates. Therapeutic clinical Pilates is the recommended exercise method for anyone with an ostomy. It is a safe and progressive way to ... READ MORE
9.7 min read
How to plank safely after stoma surgery
For many years I admit to being ‘anti-plank’ for people with a stoma. I used to think it was an exercise that created too much intra-abdominal pressure and increased risk of parastomal hernia. However, over ... READ MORE
21.5 min read
Can you do the Cape Wrath Ultra with a stoma? It turns out you can.
After 13 years living with a stoma, I tend not to write about it much anymore. It’s so normal for me now that – in the words of a friend – my stoma is the ... READ MORE
8.9 min read
Parastomal Hernias.. how do we prevent them?
Warning.. soapbox topic. How do we prevent a parastomal hernia? Basically THE question on every ostomates’ lips. Well... I’m not sure we can. But hang on.. before you fall into a state of despair. Hear ... READ MORE
9.1 min read
Returning to running after stoma surgery
This article was first written by me and published in the journal of the Ileostomy and Internal Pouch Association. Reproduced in an edited version here. There’s no reason at all why you can’t ... READ MORE
7 min read
Heading back to the gym after stoma surgery? Work on your core first.
If you’re heading to the gym for the first time since your stoma surgery (or for the first time ever or since lockdown) you may be feeling nervous and excited. The idea of getting ... READ MORE
11.7 min read
Rob’s Story
In this series of blog posts, I am privileged to share the stories of some of my wonderful clients. I’m hugely thankful to them for sharing their stories and experiences, but more so for ... READ MORE
10.5 min read
The story behind The Ostomy Studio
I’m a clinical exercise specialist and clinical Pilates teacher, specialising in working with people with cancer and after stoma surgery. I’ve worked in the fitness industry for over 25 years. I’ve pretty much done ... READ MORE
12.1 min read
‘Exercise has been my lifeline during treatment for bowel cancer’. Melissa’s Story.
In this series of blog posts, I am privileged to share the stories of some of my wonderful clients. I’m hugely thankful to them for sharing their stories and experiences, but more so for putting their ... READ MORE
13.8 min read
Can you do pilates with a stoma?
By Sarah Russell MSc, certified clinical Pilates teacher, clinical exercise specialist and founder of The Ostomy Studio. Author of The Bowel Cancer Recovery Toolkit. Ostomy since 2010. I’ve been practising Pilates for decades and teaching ... READ MORE