Pilates-based physical therapy is a growing area of rehabilitation. The Pilates method is an exercise program developed by Joseph H. Pilates, who was a sickly child whose asthma kept him bedridden for long periods of time. To cure his own ailments he began studying body mechanics and developing what would later become the system known as “contrology.”
The Pilates method is based on six basic principles:
- Concentration: Focusing on precision and control of movement throughout the exercise
- Breathing: Coordinating movement with breathing to increase efficiency and power of the technique
- Control: All muscular contractions must be controlled
- Centering: The idea that all movements start from centering, or engaging the core muscles (powerhouse of the body)
- Precision: Paying attention to each exercise to ensure it is done correctly
- For Movement: Every movement should start from the center and flow gently and slowly
Pilates-based physical therapy offers a comprehensive rehabilitation program that improves movement, coordination, endurance, and even lung capacity. Since Pilates promotes body awareness, it works especially well for retraining the neural pathways responsible for muscle activation. Because of this awareness, Pilates enhances the traditional physical therapy approach.
Frequently Asked Questions:
Who is a good candidate for Pilates-based physical therapy?
People with musculoskeletal injuries such as ankle strains/sprains, bulging discs, degenerative disc disorder, osteoarthritis, patellofemoral syndromes, peripheral joint dysfunctions, plantar fasciitis, rheumatoid arthritis, or others may be a good candidate for Pilates-based physical therapy. However, to know for sure, schedule a consultation at Dripsy Health today!
What can I expect when having Pilates-based physical therapy?
At the start of your Pilates-based physical therapy session, you will meet with an experienced physical therapist. After a brief history and evaluation, your PT will incorporate any necessary equipment to ensure a safe and effective workout experience while still working within the Pilates method. Your sessions will last about 45 minutes to an hour, and the number of sessions will vary depending on your injury but you can plan on around 12 sessions.
How can I improve the outcome of my treatment?
In most cases, your physical therapist will provide you with exercises to perform at home in between appointments. They may also encourage certain exercises, while having you avoid others. Overall, following your physical therapist’s instructions is imperative to improving your treatment outcomes.
To contact Phyt By Dripsy for physical therapy, drmahawhetsell@gmail.com.
Strength and Stability Training
Strength and stability training are two types of physical therapy exercise approaches that can be used to aid in recovery from an injury.
Strength training are anaerobic exercises that use resistance as a way to increase muscle strength. Strength training is meant to strengthen the muscles, improve functional mobility, provide joint stability, and increase muscle endurance.
Some examples of strength training activities include:
- lifting weights
- using resistance bands
- using weight machines
- using suspension equipment
- push-ups
- pull-ups
- sit-ups
Stability training, also known as balance training, are exercises designed to improve proper balance and stability by targeting the core muscles, glutes, visual acuity, and proprioception. Stability training can be beneficial for rehabilitation after a stroke, fracture, or lower limb amputation. It can also be used to benefit those with Parkinson’s disease, neuropathies, Multiple Sclerosis, vestibular disorders, postural dysfunction, or head trauma.
Some examples of stability training activities include:
- performing wobble board exercises
- standing on one foot/on an unstable surface
- balancing on a platform
- performing core strength exercises with good form/proper breathing
- walking on uneven surfaces
What’s the difference between strength and stability training?
The key difference between strength and stability training is that while both types of exercises are meant to improve the function of muscles, strength training focuses on strengthening these muscles to regain normal range of motion (i.e. lifting weights), whereas stability training focuses more on having proper balance in order to prevent injury (i.e. standing on one leg). As such, strength training is better for gaining muscle mass while stability training is more appropriate for rehabilitation from injury, illness, or aging. However, there are cases where a combination of the two may be recommended.
Spine Rehabilitation
The spine is held together by muscles, tendons, ligaments and bones. Muscle imbalances can cause asymmetrical loading of the spine which may eventually lead to injury or pain. These imbalances can be addressed by strengthening muscles on one side of your body which are weaker than their partner muscles.
Muscle imbalance often occurs due to incorrect lifting techniques, injury, or illness. Weak muscles will become tired faster than their stronger partners and be unable to maintain good posture over time. Good posture is important for the muscles around the spine because it distributes body weight evenly across all muscles involved in supporting your back.
This is why rehabilitation of the spine is important; it helps to maintain a healthy back and can be done by doing exercises to improve posture, strengthen weak muscles, and stretch tight muscles to keep the spine in proper alignment. This should help reduce the risk of injury and provide long-lasting relief from pain associated with muscle imbalances.
Spinal rehabilitation is generally required after surgery or a spinal injury. Your physical therapist will develop an individualized treatment plan. This can include one or more of the following:
- Managing pain with ice, certain positions & movements, or electrical devices
- Manual therapy to retrain certain muscles
- Manual therapy to improve mobility and flexibility
- Patient education
- Home exercises
Your physical therapist will develop an individualized treatment plan that addresses your symptoms. This can include one or more of the following: postural education, electrical stimulation, manual therapy, or core strengthening.
