The Benefits of Combining Pilates with Physiotherapy
Looking for a workout that can enhance your physiotherapy progress and improve your general fitness? Adding reformer Pilates to your physio recovery regime could be the perfect solution for you! It’s low-impact, tailored to each individual, and can support recovery for long-term results. Beyond its rehabilitative benefits, Pilates is a popular fitness workout that can increase strength, mobility, and flexibility for overall fitness and wellbeing.
Read on to learn more about the benefits of combing reformer Pilates with your physiotherapy rehabilitation program. To discuss whether this treatment may be the best route for you and your health journey, contact our team at 13th Beach Health Services today.
What is Pilates?
Pilates began as a form of rehabilitation. Its creation came from a need to help the sick or incapacitated exercise is a way that was not too demanding on their bodies, as well as a way to help dancers recover from serious injury. Some benefits of Pilates include:
- Muscle definition
- Flexibility
- Core strength
- Mobility
- Posture
- Whole body fitness
- Stress reduction
- And more!
What is Reformer Pilates?
Reformer Pilates uses a reformer machine to help individuals gain strength and flexibility throughout their bodies. When using a reformer, the person can be positioned on their back or side to execute movements you might not be able to complete standing up. There are countless exercises to choose from, and almost any exercise can be modified to suit the individual’s needs, strength, injuries, and fitness level. The machine uses springs and weights to cater exercises to your desired level of difficulty. General Pilates also includes mat work and other equipment. During a reformer Pilates session, your instructor or physio will guide you through each exercise to ensure proper alignment.
How can Pilates Support Physiotherapy Rehabilitation?
You may be surprised to learn just how much Pilates and physiotherapy go hand-in-hand. As your body recovers from injury, it’s natural to put your fitness aside as you focus on getting your body back in full working condition. But Pilates isn’t just a solid workout routine – often physiotherapy programs will use similar exercises, and Pilates can work as a perfect regime to incorporate into your rehabilitation journey. Many physiotherapists are also trained Clinical Pilates Instructors. This is because Pilates facilitates many of the exercises that support physiotherapy recovery.
How is Clinical Pilates different to Fitness Pilates?
When most people think of Pilates, it’s a fitness routine that comes to mind. Clinical Pilates, however, has been used for years for a variety of rehabilitation purposes. Clinical Pilates is a personalised and patient-oriented treatment plan that uses exercises to help manage specific pain and heal injuries, not just strengthening the body as regular Pilates does. This tailored program works to focus on the specific condition or issue the patient needs help with, using Pilates techniques in physiotherapy to structure a clear path back to health and wellbeing.
How can Combining Reformer Pilates and Physiotherapy Help You?
Beyond being a great workout routine, Pilates has a natural connection to physiotherapy. Clinical Pilates incorporates all the different forms and exercises of Pilates into a rehabilitation routine, using the natural physical benefits the help guide your body to recovery. Both focus on muscle balance, overall body strength, improving mobility/flexibility, and improving general physical function. Building a physiotherapy plan that incorporates the health benefits of Pilates may be a great way to get your body moving and get your health back on track as soon as possible.
What Conditions is Pilates Recommended for?
There is a wide range of conditions that Pilates-based physiotherapy can help treat. Here’s a quick list of some of the most common conditions that may benefit from using Pilates as rehabilitation:
- Orthopaedic Injuries (including injuries to the foot, ankle, knee, hip, and shoulder)
- Neck Pain (whether from injury or lifestyle habits)
- Lower Back Pain (including disc or nerve involvement)
- Postpartum Recovery (including abdominal or pelvic weakness)
- Sprains or strains
- Osteoarthritis
- Scoliosis
Is Pilates Right for You? Find Out by Booking an Assessment
The connection between Pilates and physiotherapy is natural, and uniting the two into your recovery plans offers endless benefits. If you’re in need of physiotherapy and you think incorporating Pilates may be the right choice for you, don’t waste any time! Get in contact with 13th Beach Health Services today to discuss your treatment – your body will thank you for it!