One of the most popular trends in physical health in the 21st century is Pilates named after Joseph Pilates who invented a series of regimented exercises less than 100 years ago. Scientific studies show that Pilates has exceptional promise for physical therapy patients. When combined with Physical therapy, the precision and control of the movements can have lasting benefits. Many physical therapists use Pilates because it provides patients with the following benefits.
The exercises provide an increased degree of flexibility than most conventional forms of physical therapy.
Physical therapists can modify the exercises, and they will still be effective. These movements are better than conventional therapy. Traditional treatments use exercises that may be too difficult or painful for patients to tolerate.
Professionals can prescribe beginning to advanced movements. It depends on the severity of the patient’s injuries, and how much the person needs to progress.
Some professionals use the entire philosophy of Pilates in their PT practice. Others only use a limited amount of Pilates along with a traditional approach to physical therapy. The founder designed Pilates equipment to increase a person’s range of motion they couldn’t do against gravity.
Pilates-Based Physical Therapy (PBPT) is focused on helping individuals heal from injuries. One of the reasons that Pilates-Based Physical Therapy has become increasingly popular in recent years is that this unique form of holistic treatment allows the patient to take a very active role in his/her healing. Additional benefits of Pilates-Based Physical Therapy include the ability to apply healing techniques holistically instead of focusing purely on the injury or source of discomfort. Pilates-Based Physical Therapy also helps correct and heal issues with posture, gait and/or movement patterns that may be hindering the healing process or causing pain and discomfort.
Pilates exercises were originally based on 6 principals: Centering, Concentration, Control, Precision, Breathing, and Flowing Movement. Pilates exercises are especially well suited to the rehabilitation of neck, mid and low back and extremity conditions resulting from postural abnormalities due to desk jobs and technology dominant lifestyles. Pilates can help alleviate pain, improve posture, increase flexibility in muscles and joints. It also helps in rejuvenating mind-body connection and improves neuro-muscular control.
Pilates-Based Physical Therapy can be used to treat a wide range of disorders, syndromes and issues, including but not limited to:
- Scoliosis
- Issues with poor posture
- Problems with balance
- Orthopedic injuries
- Chronic low back and pelvic pain
- Sciatica
- Chronic shoulder pain
- Repetitive stress injuries
- Discomfort in the foot and/or ankle
- Acute low back pain
- Instability issues with the pelvis and/or spine
- Stress-related injuries
- Fall prevention in the elderly
- Neck pain
- Headaches
- Autoimmune disorders related muscle aches and weakness
- Osteoporosis
At Synergy Physical Therapy, our aim is to help you reach your full potential of physical function, no matter what your condition may be.
How do I get started?
If you are looking for Bellevue, WA Pilates services, Synergy Physical Therapy is here for you. Contact our Bellevue, WA physical therapy office today to schedule a consultation with one of our licensed physical therapists and discover the many ways in which Pilates can benefit you!