Pilates is an ideal adjunct to physical therapy.  It can be used as part of a physical therapy rehabilitation program to treat conditions such as lymphedma, and low back pain.  It helps to manage diseases such as arthritis, cancer, fibromyalgia and osteoporosis.  It can improve sports injuries both before and after surgery and even enhance performance.  Pilates can be performed at variable difficulty levels, making it appropriate to use with people of all ages and sizes and can be continued after your rehab program to maintain your fitness level.

 Pilates is a form of physical and mental conditioning that was started by Joseph H. Pilates in the early 1900’s.   This method of reintroducing movement and exercise early after injury was embraced by the dance and entertainment community in the 30’s and 40’s.  By the 1990’s it had gained popularity with the mainstream exercise community and began to gain ground in the rehabilitation setting.  As a physical therapy modality, Pilates is extremely versatile.  The different basic pieces of equipment; the reformer, trapeze table, and chair use springs and gravity to either assist the individual in completing movements successfully or give resistance to make the movement more challenging.  Reintroducing controlled movement early in the rehabilitation process has been found to speed healing.  Strength, flexibility and symmetry of movement are all improved with this type of exercise.  Pilates exercises are performed in a controlled environment to minimize weight bearing and destructive forces.  Decreasing pain, improving balance, coordination, and increasing body awareness and alignment are some of the benefits of using Pilates in a rehab setting.  Pilates also incorporates teaching proper breathing techniques to guide efficient movement and help manage stress.  Controlled, precise movements help to minimize pain, and improve self awareness and confidence. This can lead to improved body control, well being and enhanced quality of life. 

 The benefits to using Pilates in a rehab setting compared to a fitness one is the involvement of the physical therapist.  The therapist is delivering an individualized rehabilitation program with a set of exercises to meet each person’s specific needs.  Physical therapists are able to modify each exercise to meet the demands of that person’s injury or ailment.  Therapists are experts at identifying and retraining faulty movement patterns as a result of pain or injury.  Postural re-education, muscle balancing exercises and core strength can be progressed more efficiently under the direction of a physical therapist using Pilates equipment.  The individual attention of a physical therapist can also help people regain confidence in their body’s ability to move.  Physical therapists are the way to go to enhance your Pilates experience. 

 Links:

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Pilates

http://www.pilatesmethodalliance.org/whatis.html

 http://pilates.about.com/od/gettingstarted/a/PullInAbs.htm

 http://pilates.about.com/od/whatispilates/a/Principles.htm