What Is Pilates?
Pilates is a type of physical fitness exercise started by a German instructor named Joseph Pilates in the early 20th century. He named the approach after himself, referring to it as “Contrology,” and it involves controlled movements that improve the body's flexibility while building strength and endurance. It focuses on developing the body's core, emphasizes breathing and alignment, and connects the mind and the body.
Pilates is a low-impact exercise that can be combined with a high-intensity cardio workout. It can be done as a stand-alone exercise routine or as part of physical therapy treatment, there are PT clinics that specialize in and offer it as part of rehabilitation, a practice that's been in use for the past 10 years. Given these advancements, common myths and misconceptions still surround using Pilates as part of physical therapy treatment. Let's look at five of them.
Myth: Pilates and Physical Therapy Don't Mix
The principles used in Pilates are directly applied in physical therapy. Its low-impact method is put to use, addressing several aspects of the body's kinematic chain to help it reach its best state. Pilates exercises done as part of physical therapy work well together.
Myth: Pilates-Based Physical Therapy Only Targets One Body Part
Pilates uses a holistic approach to improving the whole body. This is why it's important that the body is attuned as a whole, through proper alignment, breathing, and positioning. While Pilates concentrates on the body's core, it also benefits the rest of the body, training individual muscles to work together with the others. It emphasizes rehabilitating muscles through the reactivation of neural pathways and increasing proprioception, or the body's awareness of space and position.
Myth: Pilates for Physical Therapy Is Too Hard
The Pilates exercises used for rehabilitation in physical therapy are relatively simple, as long as the right form is followed. People who are uninjured but pursuing Pilates as part of a fitness program often find it challenging because they're doing it incorrectly. That's why it's essential to start Pilates at the appropriate level and begin with simple, uncomplicated exercises.
Myth: Anything Goes for Pilates
Doing Pilates well is systematic, since considering the patient's current level of ability and injury is essential to retraining and rehabilitating the body toward normal function. A patient may begin with straight, planar exercises, then move into a more advanced level as sessions progress. It's always important to evaluate the patient's condition and design the treatment plan accordingly.
Myth: Group Sessions Are Good Enough
It's always better to start by working with a personal physical therapist who is also qualified to give Pilates instruction. One-on-one sessions with a PT help recommend the specific exercises suited to the patient's needs and provide proper guidance on how to do the activities, doing Pilates exercises precisely helps prevent further aggravating existing injuries.
Here at Tribeca Physical Therapy in New York, we offer Clinical Pilates as part of our treatment program to help with neuromuscular re-education and improve the body's core strength, mobility, and flexibility. Send us a message today for an evaluation or to book an appointment.