Pilates is well known for benefits such as increased flexibility, stronger muscles, and improved core stability, posture and balance.  

However did you know that it is fast becoming one of the most popular therapies for injury rehabilitation?

The Core of Pilates
Many injuries are caused by having a muscular imbalance within our body.  The cause of these imbalances can include our posture, the way we walk, lie, bend and work out (or any other way we move).  

All of us move incorrectly in one way or another, and this puts too much pressure on some muscles and weakens others – causing the imbalance.  With the back for example, if there is an imbalance it can put too much pressure on the spine and weaken the pelvic muscles at

the front of the body, or vice versa.  This makes the body so much more susceptible to serious strains, pulls, tears and other injuries. 

Pilates however, promotes an even musculature through the body and aims to strengthen the core.  The core being the centre of the body, the deep abdominal muscles and the muscles closest to the spine.   Pilates focuses on spinal and pelvic alignment which is vital in moving the way we are supposed to move, in order to avoid injury.

Flexible Rehabilitation

There are many reasons that Physiotherapists over the world are now choosing to use Pilates as part of their client’s rehabilitation, and one of those is the flexibility it offers.

Pilates offers greater flexibility than most other conventional forms of therapy, as the exercises can be modified for each client whilst remaining highly effective. 

Starting from basic movements to advanced, the program can alter depending on how bad the injury is and how the client needs to progress.  

Other therapy options can often involve clients being given exercises that may be too hard for them to complete, either due to their pain, or that they don’t have the basic understanding of how to position their body correctly.  

Pilates can also offer flexibility with how the programs are performed. Exercises can be performed on a mat or various pieces of equipment including the popular Reformer.  The combination of both works extremely well as you can start on the Reformer in order to use the springs to assist the movement.  This can convert them from bad or incorrect movement patterns they’ve picked up over the years.  Then as they progress, and are pain free, mat programs can be used at home to continue their rehab, strengthen muscles and prevent further injury. 

Pain Free Movement
Pilates allows clients to become responsible for their own rehabilitation, as they can’t just lie down and have the therapist do the work. In a highly supportive environment, the client has to learn how to use their body again and the best movement sequence to use.    

The more the client is able to move without pain, the more confidence they gain and the more likely they are to try another exercise.  This all contributes to a positive movement experience and a very healthy rehabilitative cycle.

Choosing a Pilates Instructor or Studio
If you have an injury and are considering Pilates for your rehabilitation, it’s very important to choose an instructor that is highly trained in Physical Therapy and very experienced.   There is a big difference between teaching Pilates as a form of exercise for fitness, and using it as a form of therapy.  

Pilates is a very effective form of rehabilitation, but if your program isn’t being used in conjunction with physical therapy techniques, it could aggravate the injury.

SPHC Pilates Studio
Our SPHC Pilates Mat and Equipment classes are conducted by fully qualified and experienced Physiotherapists or Pilates Instructors using the highest quality Pilates equipment available.

For more information browse through our website or give us a call on 3869 1099.