The long-anticipated Merrithew® Mindful Movement Symposium—Asia is just around the corner! This event brings Pilates and mind-body movement professionals and enthusiasts from around the world together in shared curiosity and meaningful connection. Experience hands-on training with our education programs and explore the latest Merrithew Pilates equipment firsthand. This symposium is your space to advance your skills and deepen your passion for mindful movement.
Event Details:
When: September 19-21, 2025
Where: Beijing Marriott Hotel Northeast
Instructors: Master Instructor Trainers PJ O’Clair, Kim Kraushar and Lead Instructor Trainer Kristi Quinn
A standout session at the upcoming Asia Symposium is the STOTT PILATES® Programming Protocols for Breast Cancer Rehab, a Professional Development (PD) course that equips movement practitioners with science-backed strategies to support clients at every stage of their cancer journey. You’ll learn essential protocols for pre- and post-operative care, along with supportive practices that aid both physical and emotional recovery.
To give you a closer look at the session, we spoke with Master Instructor Trainer PJ O’Clair, who shares one of the key exercises and answers common questions.
Featured Exercise:
Limb Bouncing with Mini Stability Balls: A STOTT PILATES Approach to Gentle Fascial Stimulation and Nervous System Regulation
One gentle yet effective exercise from the course is Limb Bouncing with Mini Stability Balls. This rhythmic, oscillatory movement stimulates blood circulation, enhances lymphatic flow and reduces pain or stiffness. It’s particularly beneficial for clients who may have limited range of motion, hypersensitivity or low energy, and follows the STOTT PILATES principles of mindful movement, breath awareness and whole-body integration.
Key Benefits
By creating a subtle, repetitive bounce through the arms or legs, this technique:
- Promotes oscillatory loading of the fascia and superficial tissues.
- Encourages fluid exchange and fascial hydration.
- Supports lymphatic drainage by mechanically stimulating lymph vessels.
- Helps reduce pain and tension through neuromechanical desensitization.
- Triggers a parasympathetic nervous system response, encouraging relaxation and down-regulation of stress.
This is a great example of how intentional, low-impact movement can make a profound difference in comfort, mobility and overall well-being for breast cancer survivors.
Fireside Chat with PJ O’Clair
Q: What makes the Programming Protocols for Breast Cancer Rehab course unique?
A: This course offers a comprehensive and science-informed approach to working with breast cancer survivors, drawing from the latest research in fascia, oncology and neuroscience. What sets it apart is the emphasis on the tumor microenvironment, specifically how mechanical forces, inflammation and tissue stiffness can influence recovery and recurrence.
Participants will gain a deeper knowledge of how breathwork, rhythm and gentle loading can regulate the body’s stress response and promote healing. This integrated approach makes the course valuable for movement professionals working with clients across all phases of their journey.
Q: What are the most common movement restrictions post-surgery or post-treatment?
A: Movement restrictions vary widely depending on the type and extent of treatment. For example, clients who undergo surgery may experience limited shoulder mobility, fascial tightness or nerve sensitivity, while those undergoing chemotherapy or radiation often report profound fatigue, balance issues and tissue stiffness.
Regardless of the treatment, fatigue and reduced range of motion are among the most consistent and challenging complications. Emotional and psychological factors, such as fear of movement or body image changes, also impact on how clients engage with exercise.
Q: What types of modifications are typically required when programming for this population?
A: Programming must be highly individualized as modifications may include:
- Adjusting range of motion to accommodate scar tissue or nerve irritation.
- Using props like Foam Cushion, Mini Stability Ball™ or the Arc Barrel to support affected limbs or protect surgical sites.
- Avoiding prone or weight-bearing positions when uncomfortable.
- Pacing sessions with ample rest and regulating intensity to account for cancer-related fatigue.
- Emphasizes breath, rhythm and proprioceptive feedback to help re-establish neuromuscular connection and reduce guarding patterns.
Q: Are there any prerequisites for taking this course?
A: No formal prerequisites are required. However, having a foundational understanding of STOTT PILATES Principles and experience working with special populations will take your learning experience further.
Q: Which Merrithew equipment is especially helpful for breast cancer rehab clients?
A: This course incorporates several Merrithew props that are especially effective for this population, such as:
- Mini Stability Ball: Offers gentle support and rhythmic feedback for limb bouncing and restorative movements.
- Soft Kettlebell: Allows load variability and has a weighted blanket feel, which helps calm the nervous system.
- Sliding Mobility Disks™: Excellent for low-impact mobility work.
- Arc Barrel: Provides support for spinal decompression and positional release.
These tools help create a safe, adaptable and therapeutic movement environment for clients in various stages of recovery.
The Takeaway
The Programming Protocols for Breast Cancer Rehab PD course is just one of many transformative learning opportunities at the Asia Symposium. From STOTT PILATES to ZEN•GA® workshops, there’s something for every instructor ready to hone their expertise and bring fresh insights back to their clients. With a lineup of new workshops debuting in Asia, you’ll walk away with innovative tools, diverse training methods and powerful insights to strengthen your practice.
Explore the full schedule and secure your spot today.