Pilates-Based Physical Therapy
In this specialized program, the principles of Pilates and the Pilates exercises are combined with traditional physical therapy methods to develop a rehabilitative program for the patients. (For more information refer to the Pilates newsletter). Pilates-based therapeutic exercises are performed on the Pilates apparatus; the Reformer, the Cadillac, the Combo Chair, and other small apparatus. In the hands of a Pilates certified physical therapist, these exercises are appropriately adapted and modified for each individual patient and their specific needs, so that they can be used to effectively treat patients regardless of age, ability, or fitness level.
Pilates-based physical therapy is highly respected in the medical community for its full body treatment approach, development of core strength and joint stability, and correction of faulty movement patterns/habits. It has often been referred to as the "missing link" in physical therapy due to advanced results achieved with this treatment approach. As a result of this program, patients leave with improved body awareness and musculoskeletal control. They begin to understand how faulty body alignment and bad movement patterns can lay the foundation for injury to occur. Patients are given the skills to recognize and correct these contributing factors. As a result, pain is immediately reduced, while joints and muscles function in a healthy balance that not only leads to recovery but helps in the prevention of other potential problems in the future.
For questions email osptapilates@hotmail.com.
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Important Things To Know:
Be an educated consumer: If you are interested in beginning a Pilates exercise program, whether it is for fitness or rehabilitation, take the time to learn about Pilates and what to look for in an instructor ( www.pilatesmethodalliance.org ). Be aware that there are currently no set guidelines or requirements to become an instructor. As helpful as the Pilates exercises can be, they can also be extremely harmful when taught by an instructor who has no had the appropriate education or when taught in an enviroment that does not promote appropriate participant supervision.
It is highly recommended that you do not try to begin Pilates by watching video tapes: Pilates is a form of exercise that is very discliplined in body alignment and movement control. The exercises need to be performed with concentration, stability and precision throughout the whole body. Pilates in better compared to a martial art than to a step aerobics or spinning class. A lot of times these exercises will challenger the patient/client to hold their body in a position they are not familiar with and recruit muscles that are weak or inactive while performing a series of steps. It is imperative to have the feedback and correction from a certified instructor when first beginning Pilates to ensure that these exercises are completed in a safe manner and modified when appropriate to avoid injury. It is common that a participant will feel that they are "doing everything right" and they will not be. There are many reports that beginners are getting injured from trying to use the Pilates videos on the market.
If you have pain or you are recovering from an injury you should seek out a Pilates program that will be instructed by a medically licensed professional: An individual who has completed a comprehensive Pilates certification HAS NOT had the necessary education and medical training to develop a safe, appropriate, and efficient exercise program for someone experiencing pain and recovering from an injury. There are some individuals who do not recognize this limitation in their ability and attempt to rehabilitate their clients themselves rather than referring them to the appropriate medical professional.
Be aware of Pilates classes in large fitness facilities: Pilates is becoming more accessible and popular in the fitness environment. Participants who are attending these classes are coming out of the programs with mixed reviews. Depending on who you talk to, you may hear that someone experienced back pain or you may hear that someone feels better than they have ever felt.
A Pilates mat class should not be taught to more than 10 participants per instructor at a time and a Pilates reformer/equipment class should not be taught to more than 6 participants per instructor at a time. This type of exercise is best taken in a private/semiprivate setting but can also be safely taken in a small group personal training setting. Unfortunately, many of the Pilates programs in fitness facilities do not adhere to these guidelines. When the class size is too large, the instructor cannot appropriately supervise and correct the participants. Many times this lack of supervision and correction is leading to injury.
When taking a Pilates group class look for: 1) an instructor that has completed a comprehensive Pilates certification program 2) appropriate class size 3) an instructor that does not demonstrate the exercises, but rather walks around the room observing the participants while they perform the exercises providing verbal and manual cues for correction 4) an instructor that teaches you how to find "neutral spine" and how to breathe correctly through the Pilates exercise.
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Benefits of Pilates
MEET THE STAFF The physical therapists at the OSPTA Mt. Lebanon clinic have completed a comprehensive Pilates training program through phi Pilates, a PMA (Pilates Method Alliance) accredited certifying company. This program requires that the participants complete a series of courses, pass both written and practical exams, and complete practice hours. In addition to their Pilates certification they have an average of 10 years experience in the field of physical therapy. |
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O.S.P.T.A. offers Pilates Based Physical Therapy at the Mt. Lebanon location.
MEDICAL OFFICE BLDG. 1145 Bower Hill Rd. #302 Pittsburgh, PA 15243 Phone: (412)276-6637 Fax: (412)276-2206 |