4 ways Pilates enhances your physical therapy and recovery

Pilates isn't just a class you can take at your local gym — it's a full-body workout that can support all the effort you've put into your rehabilitation program. But what's the connection between Pilates and PT? At Performance Rehab, we offer Pilates, yoga and barre classes as part of our physical and occupational therapy programs. In this article, we'll explore four key ways Pilates complements your recovery journey.

What is Pilates?

This holistic, mind-body workout system rose to popularity in the mid-2000s, but it was developed in the early 1900s by Joseph Pilates. It features intentional exercises designed to improve your balance, muscle strength, flexibility and posture, as well as your mental awareness. The Pilates method focuses on six core principles:

• Flow — Gently flow through each movement pattern from start to finish.

• Breathwork — Coordinate each move with your breath to promote oxygenation, relaxation and focus.

• Concentration — Place your full attention on every slow, smooth body movement.

• Control — Perform conscious, deliberate motions with complete control.

• Centering — Bring awareness to the center of your body (your core) to ensure that each exercise is performed correctly.

• Precision — Use proper form to maximize the benefits of these exercises.

Pilates exercises are performed on a mat or on equipment like a reformer and use techniques that engage your whole body. The goal is to focus on quality over quantity, develop strong, lean muscle, and help your body learn how to move with ease and efficiency. 

4 ways Pilates enhances PT and recovery

Just like your physical therapy program, Pilates can be customized to fit your health needs, abilities and rehabilitation goals. It encompasses several moves, and your practitioner will guide you through the ones that may benefit you the most. For example, here are four key ways that Pilates enhances physical therapy and recovery:

1. Pilates can help alleviate back pain.

Back pain can stem from many issues, like arthritis, an illness, pulled muscles or poor posture. It can limit your ability to bend, twist and move comfortably, which can affect how you feel during work, play and everyday activities. However, studies show that Pilates can help alleviate certain types of back pain. If this is something your physical therapist is helping you with, it may be worth asking how to take that extra step in recovery.

2. Pilates may help you practice good posture.

Posture refers to the way you position your body when you're moving, sitting and lying down. Your muscles and joints move most efficiently when you have good posture. On the other hand, poor posture forces your body to compensate for the misalignment, increasing your risk for joint pain, body aches, muscle fatigue and other issues.

The good news is that Pilates can help improve your posture by promoting better spinal muscle strength. So as your physical therapist teaches you how to integrate posture-friendly habits into your lifestyle, doing Pilates exercises may support this goal.

3. Pilates can help improve your flexibility.

Flexibility isn't about being able to do impressive gymnastics moves. It has numerous health benefits. Better flexibility helps reduce your risk of (re)injury and pain associated with muscle tightness. It also helps enhance your ability to do simple, daily activities well, like bending down to tie your shoes or cleaning your house.

Whether your physical therapy goals are focused on getting back on the soccer field or managing chronic pain, Pilates can help by increasing the range of motion in your joints and muscles. 

4. Pilates may help with balance and coordination issues.

Just like physical therapy, Pilates can help improve your balance and coordination. Pilates movements start at center, which means you're engaging the muscles that make up your core (e.g., pelvic floor, diaphragm, abdominals and lower back). Stronger core muscles contribute to better balance and control, which can help reduce your risk of falls and any gait problems that you're striving to address during your PT program.

Find Pilates and physical therapy near you

Make Performance Rehab part of your rehabilitation plan. Proudly serving the Kansas City area, we offer several Pilates classes that focus on whole-body conditioning through low-impact, strengthening and endurance movements. Our classes are led by experienced practitioners who will help ensure that you're performing each move with the proper technique and in accordance with your regular PT program.

Don’t let pain or injury slow you down. Discover how our personalized Performance Rehab plans can help you get back to doing what you love — stronger and more confident than ever. Contact us to learn more or request an appointment today.