Pain Free Therapy

Why Pilates Physical Therapy

Pilates and Physical Therapy are the perfect marriage for regaining balanced muscular strength and function that’s low impact and gentle on the joints. Here’s a brief overview of why Pilates Physical Therapy can help for the following injuries.

Knee and Ankle Dysfunction-

Pilates exercises improve quadriceps, hip and abdominal strength.  They also focus on lower extremely stretching, particularly of the gastrocnemeus and hamstrings.  Patients are able to progress from a strengthening program in an anti-gravity position to more functional challenges.

Shoulder and Cervical Dysfunction-

Many of the Pilates exercises target the scapular stabilizers and deep neck flexors.  The Pilates method also teaches the use diaphragmatic breathing, which decreases the stress on accessory neck muscles.

Low Back Pain and Sacral Dysfunction-

Research suggests that strengthening the Transverse Abdominals is key to successful LBP therapy.  Pilates emphasizes “neutral spine” alignment and contraction of the Transverse to improve trunk stability.  This method improves lower extremity flexibility and spine articulation.  It also allows patients to take an active role in their own recovery thereby decreasing the reoccurrence of LBP. Pilates works on the smaller weakened stabilizers which often get neglected due to the larger muscles groups taking over causing imbalances leading to injuries.

Pregnancy Complaints-

Transverse Abdominals strengthening also benefits pregnant women by supporting the lumbar and pelvic area at a time when ligament laxity can place women at risk for low-back pain.  During labor, the Pilates training and increased abdominal strength will assist women in a quicker, safer delivery and aide recovery.