Pilates for Rehabilitation and Physical Therapy

Millions of people across the country are familiar with Pilates, the exercise regimen invented by Joseph Pilates. Pilates was first embraced by dancers and some high-profile celebrities, and has quickly spread in popularity. This program of exercise emphasizes stretching, strength, and control. As envisioned by Joseph Pilates, a native of Germany, this system of exercise emphasizes development of the core at the center of the body, just below the ribs and above the hips. Joseph Pilates himself referred to this as the "powerhouse."

But Pilates is not only a beneficial form of low impact exercise for many people, it also can aid in rehabilitation of injuries, including knee, hip, and other strains. Many injuries can result from incorrect movements and bad posture. These factors put excessive pressure on some muscles, weakening them. For example, bad posture can put too much pressure on the spine and weaken the muscles around the pelvis.

Pilates promotes better posture by strengthening the abdominal muscles near the spine and other parts of the core. Many physical therapists now recommend Pilates as part of an overall program of rehabilitation for patients who have suffered stress injuries. The exercises in the Pilates regimen can be easily modified according to individual needs and still be effective. There are basic, intermediate, and advanced movements in Pilates.

In addition, the exercises can be performed on a mat, or on a Pilates machine known as a reformer. The reformer looks a little like a sliding mattress inside a wooden frame with springs and pulleys. Many reformer exercises involve lying on your back, which supports your spine. However, there are other exercises that place you in other positions, such as on your knees. An effective program of exercise can combine mat exercises with reformer work. Some physical therapists may prescribe a set of reformer exercises, then allow patients to continue their rehabilitation with a set of mat exercises, which further strengthen muscles.

While conventional physical therapy involves a set of exercises that a patient may or may not be able to complete without discomfort, Pilates gets patients more involved in their own rehabilitation by making them focus on better understanding of body positioning and identifying the best sequence of movements.

Patients considering Pilates as part of their rehabilitation should consult their physicians and/or physical therapists. Some Pilates instructors have physical therapy experience, and patients should tell their instructors about any injuries they may have so that instructors can modify a program of exercise accordingly.