What is Physiotherapy led Pilates
Physio-Led Pilates is a specialized form of Pilates that is taught by a physiotherapist. These professionals have additional training in anatomy, physiology, and rehabilitation, allowing them to tailor the exercises to specific individual needs and conditions.
What is Pilates?
Joseph Pilates born in 1883 in Germany spent his childhood fighting illnesses. Determined to become stronger and healthier Joe became an avid skier, diver, gymnast, and accomplished boxer. When Joe was in England and WW2 broke out he was interned as a POW on the Isle Of Wight. While working as an intern in hospitals he was appalled to see so many patients bound to their bed not able to exercise. He started to develop a programme of exercises which was evidently helping the patients recuperate faster than those who remained in bed.
After the war Joe returned to Germany and continued to develop his exercises. Eventually, along with his wife, they opened ‘The Pilates Studio’ in New York working with ballerinas and dancers all over the city.
To this day his methods, albeit having evolved over time keep a heavy focus on core strength, flexibility, balance and posture. Pilates emphasises the importance of beginning movement from a central core of stability known as the lumbo-pelvic region. From this exercises can be adjusted through different limb movements (levers) and use of Pilates equipment (resistance).
How can Physiotherapy led Pilates help me?
Day to day activities which become habit can sometimes cause injury when there is an imbalance in how that movement happens. We can then sometimes overcompensate or develop another way round the movement and this can cause pain and longer term dysfunction.
By developing an awareness of each movement we can achieve precise control and learn how to alter abnormal movement patterns to achieve a carry over effect into day to day activities in order to improve function and reduce injury.
This means Pilates can help you whether you have an injury or not by helping you learn how to engage your muscles correctly which carries over into everyday activities keeping you stronger for longer.
Who is Physiotherapy led Pilates for?
Pilates is for almost anyone! When tailored to your ability, your needs and goals, Pilates can help you restore and recover from injury, strengthen and tone or simply help you feel fitter and better!
There is no age limit with Pilates, anyone can benefit. Exercises can be modified but are largely a combination of standing and lying on a mat.
Are there any contraindications to Pilates?
While Pilates can be adapted to suit the individual, it is important you aren’t going to exacerbate any underlying medical conditions by taking part. Pilates usually involves exercising in different positions including standing, lying and kneeling. If you might struggle with one or more positions you might find it hard to feel the benefits of Pilates.
If you have severe bone density loss, coronary artery disease, an inguinal hernia, recent surgery or are very overweight then unfortunately Physiotherapy led Pilates is probably not advisable.
What is a pre assessment session?:
We ask you to attend a 30 minute pre-class assessment so that your physiotherapist can find out more about you; take a history and learn about your abilities and difficulties in order to tailor your classes to try and meet your goals.
This is also an opportunity for you to ask questions and find out if Pilates feels right for you. During the session we will go through some of the basic principles which underpin Pilates and also practice some basic exercises so that you’re well prepared for your first class.