Many clients at our Toronto physiotherapy and chiropractic clinics have heard of – and may even practice – Pilates as a workout regimen. Did you know that it can also be used as a post-rehab treatment? Here’s a look at how it works, and when it’s usually useful for the most patients.
What is Pilates Rehab?
In essence, Pilates Rehab uses specific movements to retrain your neuromuscular system. It’s based on the idea of neuromotor training.
Pilates rehab can be used in a variety of treatment situations. A 2016 review of several studies found that Pilates Rehab was useful in treating:
- Chronic back pain;
- Ankylosing spondilitis;
- Non-structural scoliosis;
- Arthritis;
- Degenerative disk disease;
- Shoulder tendinitis or bursitis;
- Tendon injuries, sprains and strains;
- And other conditions.
The studies evaluated:
- Pain levels;
- Flexibility;
- Strength;
- Balance;
- Functionality;
- Posture;
- Fatigue;
- & other parameters.
The results showed improvements in all categories.
How does it work?
The exercises your Toronto sports medicine specialist will guide you through work to forge paths in your neuromuscular system. Those paths are intended to ensure that your body is moving in an optimal way, according to your own biomechanics.
- An optimal movement strategy minimizes wear and tear on joints and soft tissue;
- It avoids over-taxing muscles, joints, and other structures;
- It keeps the rest of the body properly aligned and in balance.
Those best practices can help to reduce pain and improve range of motion. Pilates Rehab can be combined with massage therapy and other treatments as part of a comprehensive rehabilitation program.
- Targeted exercises strengthen the muscles and structures around the joints;
- Core stability is emphasized;
- Flexibility and mobility of peripheral joints can be improved and/or restored.
Healthy optimal patterns of movement are established and/or regained.
- Pilates can be customized to your individual needs.
- Pilates movements are deliberate, and the flow of movement is emphasized. That makes it a safe option if you are already in pain.
With its emphasis on the mind as well as the body, Pilates Rehab can also be useful in helping you overcome any lingering psychological issues after an injury. It’s common – and very natural – to feel some level of anxiety about repeating an action that has resulted in pain or physical trauma. The discipline of Pilates helps many people overcome those fears.
One of the advantage of a Pilates regimen is that it provides a full-body workout using minimal props, and can be performed in an environment where space may be at a premium.
Prevention is the best cure
Because of its emphasis on core strength, leading to both stability and flexibility, along with issues like posture and muscle control, Pilates can also be used as an injury prevention tool. Proper conditioning is particularly important for those who are not regular athletes, and may only workout on weekends or even less often.
If you’d like to learn more about Pilates Rehab, and whether it might help your condition, don’t hesitate to contact one of our Toronto physiotherapy, chiropractic and sports medicine clinics for a consultation today.
Appointments Available Today
Book An Appointment
