What is Pilates?

Pilates is a mode of exercise that was first developed in the 1920’s. It has surged in popularity over the past 15 years.

Individuals are often hesitant to try Pilates, wondering if they need to be a dancer or have a certain level of fitness to participate. However, one of the many advantages of Pilates is that it is a low-impact exercise system.

It is used to address posture, flexibility, coordination, strength, breathing patterns, and overall mind body awareness. Pilates has been used for rehabilitation from its very beginning. Joseph Pilates developed his exercise system during World War I while working with individuals who were bedridden due to various physical injuries and diseases.

Pilates focuses on “movement control”, teaching precise movements and muscle activations through exercise that allow for improved quality of movement. Better movement makes daily tasks, such as sitting, walking, squatting, and bending, easier.

Pilates Based PT

Pilates-based rehabilitation is a holistic treatment approach offered as part of your physical therapy plan of care. You will be evaluated by a licensed physical therapist, who has additional training in Pilates-based rehabilitation.  An evaluation will be performed to assess your posture and alignment, mobility, strength, balance, and overall movement coordination.

Based on the assessment, your therapist will develop a treatment plan that focuses on Pilates-based exercises to address your symptoms and areas of concern.  You will learn exercises that can be performed at home using an exercise/yoga mat and you will also perform exercises on specialized equipment such as the Pilates Reformer during your appointments. These exercises will help to improve your strength and flexibility and retrain your movement coordination to reduce pain and improve function with daily activities.

Common conditions that can benefit from Pilates based PT:

• Low Back Pain including sprains, strains, arthritis/degenerative changes, and disc or nerve involvement
• Posture Impairments including kyphosis, scoliosis and workplace/ergonomic related pain
• Neck Pain including whiplash, strain, arthritis/degenerative changes, and disc or nerve involvement
• Osteoarthritis
• Patellofemoral Pain Syndrome
• Women’s Health and Postpartum including diastasis recti, abdominal and pelvic floor weakness
• Most orthopedic injuries include injuries to the shoulder, hip, knee, and foot/ankle.