How Physical Therapy is Augmented by Pilates
Pilates is the ultimate in dynamic spinal stabilization, which involves full body, multi-joint, multi-plane, and multi-positional exercises. It is a comprehensive system, which improves all facets of movement quality: strength, flexibility, coordination, precision, control, endurance, and breath.
How Does It Work?
Pilates utilizes several unique apparatus and over 500 exercises geared to special needs.
Emphasizes Core Trunk Muscles:
- Transverse/Oblique/Rectus Abdominis
- Quadratus Lumborum
- Deep Postural Muscles
- Spine Extensors And Rotators
- Scapular Stabilizers
- Gluteals
- Hip Adductors
- Hip External Rotators
- Pelvic Floor
Pilates promotes motor control via:
- isometric muscle actions
- concentric muscle actions
- eccentric muscle actions
- Pilates promotes stimulation in kinesthetic, proprioceptive, tactile, and visual senses.
- Pilates facilitates functional rehabilitation in peripheral joints through open/closed kinetic chain in supine, prone, sitting, kneeling, standing, and on all fours.
- Pilates progresses from basic to intermediate, advanced, and super advanced levels via neutral spine stabilization to segmental dynamic control of the spine.
Who Benefits?
- Patients with musculoskeletal injuries: spinal dysfunctions; post surgical peripheral joint dysfunctions; ankle strain/sprain; osteoarthritis; rheumatoid arthritis; PFS.
- Patients with multiple sclerosis, fibromyalgia, lupus.
- Patients with poor postures and alignments: scoliosis; excessive kyphosis and lordosis; forward head; genu valgum; genu varus; hyper/hypo mobility.
- High level athletes: dancers, ice skaters, swimmers, tennis players, ball players, hikers, mountain climbers.
- Performing artists: singers, actors, musicians.
- People of all ages who need better body awareness and mechanics at home or work.