Pilates

In recent times Pilates has gained a lot of ground among fitness gurus and those anxious to lose weight. This form of non-impact exercise was designed by Joseph Pilates, a German nurse working in England in early 20th century. His goal was to enable his patients to improve strength and movement. Pilates used a system of springs and straps attached to his patients' beds. In 1926 Pilates emigrated to the United States and opened his first studio in New York. Athletes, dancers and actors flocked to the studio to reap the benefits of this new form of exercise. Today, Pilates has become a major tool used by physiotherapists to treat shoulder, spine, hip, knee and ankle injuries as well as whiplash, post polio syndrome, spina bifida, stroke and even post surgical patients.

Why are physiotherapists incorporating the principle of Pilates in their practice? Because Pilates utilises the traditional rehabilitation principles of stability first and then mobility and also emphasises postural alignment, body awareness and functional fitness. Many physiotherapists are certified in Pilates and pass on its benefits to their patients. Patients learn how to use the right muscles to perform the desired function and to maintain posture. This leads to improved body alignment, resulting in reduced injury risks.

When compared with traditional physiotherapy, Pilates brings faster and better relief to those who are suffering from pain and limited range of motion due to impingement. After a thorough assessment of your posture and alignment, we help you maintain a neutral shoulder and scapula, key points in Pilates exercises. Activities like lifting, pulling and pushing heavy items, tucking in one's shirt or hooking one's bra become manageable as pain disappears and range of motion improves. Exercises follow to help you to regain strength and function.

Pilates makes use of Thera-band®, foam rollers and other simple equipment, however there are machines that are different from those used in traditional rehabilitation. Pilates equipment promotes a better workout by using both concentric (as in lifting) and eccentric (as in lowering) muscles. The machines give feedback that provides more self-control and body awareness. Even children benefit from Pilates, using equipment and other techniques to provide sensory feedback. Therapists try to make it fun and offer many choices to children during the sessions.

Pilates is a new way for therapists to help patients get rid of pain, regain function and strength in a safe and efficient manner. Equipment is simple and inexpensive for the most part and you can use it at home once the basic movements are mastered. Since Pilates targets the core muscles, patients lose belly fat quickly and this in itself is a boon to good health.