Recently rediscovered by physiotherapists, chiropractors
and orthopedists, the Pilates method can also be
integrated into rehabilitative exercise and physiotherapy
programs designed to speed the recovery of soft
tissue injuries and other disorders. Pilates-based
rehabilitation can benefit people with:
- Chronic neck and back pain
- Sciatica
- Shoulder impingement/tendonitis
- Hip bursitis
- Ankle injuries
- Total knee/hip replacements
- Multiple Sclerosis
- Parkinson's Disease
- Fibromyalgia
- Scoliosis
- Performance & sports injuries
- Repetitive Stress Injuries
- Muscle strains
Because Pilates exercises are so controlled they
are very safe for those in rehabilitation after
an accident. In particular, the Pilates apparatus
work assists the body to regain functional movement
capability after injury. Many health professionals
recommend Pilates to aid recovery and as a way
of re-educating and re-aligning the body to prevent
imbalances. Doctors have also found this method
to be an excellent supplement to standard physiotherapy.
Developed in the 1920's by the legendary physical
trainer Joseph H. Pilates, the Pilates method
is an exercise system focused on improving flexibility
and strength for the total body without building
bulk. Pilates emphasizes flowing movements requiring
the use of the "T Line" or the core
of the body: the deep abdominal muscles, buttock
muscles and muscles around the spine.
Pilates is used to provide rehabilitation that
goes beyond conservative orthopedic physical therapy.
Many physical therapists have found that Pilates
can increase strength and flexibility, as well
as muscular and postural symmetry, for their physician
referred rehabilitation patients. It provides
total conditioning that exceeds standard callisthenic,
isometric or isokinetic exercises.
Olympic athletes, international rugby and league
players, and cricketers have joined Pilates classes;
which were once the domain of ballet dancers and
film stars. For the club players based at the
Canterbury Bulldogs and Melbourne Storm; weekly
Pilates and yoga sessions are a compulsory part
of the clubs' injury prevention program. For
the players, Pilates offers a dramatic improvement
in performance, and a sporting career much less
prone to interruption through injury.
Additionally, Pilates emphasizes motor training,
as opposed to motor strength. It provides a form
of neuromuscular conditioning, with the emphasis
on precision and quality of movement, rather than
strength. While the benefits of Pilates may lie
in improved function without a high risk of injury
for athletes, for rehabilitation, the benefits
lie in the focus on core stabilization, balance
and flexibility, and neuromuscular components.
Pilates is more popular than ever but you must
be sure you are getting the right advice and appropriate
exercises. The Australian Pilates Academy guided
approach combines the concepts and philosophies
of the original Pilates Method with the latest
scientific research: the perfect fusion of old
and new. After a thorough assessment and personal
instruction sessions, you can attend at times
to suit you. Constant supervision ensures the
high performance quality of your exercising, and
the success and enjoyment of your program. With
expert advice and instruction, Pilates is perfect
for:
- Chronic pain—back, neck, shoulders,
hips and knees
- Postural and biomechanical weaknesses
- Sports conditioning and injury prevention
- Post-natal exercise- specialised sessions
available
Some of the other benefits of Pilates-based rehabilitation
include:
- Improved postural problems
- No impact – easy on the joints
- Enhanced functional fitness, ease of everyday
movement
- Improved balance, coordination and circulation
- Heightened body awareness
Using Pilates in conjunction with the manual
techniques and traditional modalities provides
a dimensional and functionally complete rehabilitation.
Programs are individually structured to the patient's
needs, rather than simply following a textbook
protocol. Because the benefits of Pilates are
so profound, many patients continue using Pilates
for total conditioning after they have completed
their physical therapy and are able to move on
to a mainstream fitness program.
"Pilates is designed
to give you suppleness, natural grace, and skill
that will be unmistakably reflected in the way
you walk, in the way you play, and in the way
you work." Joseph Pilates.
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