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by Sian Henderson
In recent years, the field of physiotherapy has seen a growing integration with Pilates.
Physiotherapy is a healthcare profession focused on optimising movement and function, alleviating pain, improving strength and endurance, and enhancing overall physical well-being. Exercise prescription, and patient education is a fundamental component of physiotherapy treatment, and a very common practice.
Pilates exercises incorporate precise movements that engage the deep stabilising muscles of the core, including the abdominals, back, and pelvic floor, while promoting proper alignment, balance, and coordination. The controlled and low-impact nature of Pilates makes it an ideal choice for physiotherapists to include in their management plans to build strength, flexibility and stability.
The dynamic alliance between physiotherapy and Pilates has created a powerful synergy that promotes healing, functional recovery, and enhanced physical performance as well as injury prevention.
At Movement 101 Physiotherapy clinics, we often assess and treat a wide variety of clients who are suffering from lower back pain, both acute and chronic, degenerative and traumatic. Clinical guidelines across the globe strongly recommend exercise as a method of treatment, whether this be mind-body based, biomechanical, aerobic or a combined approach. We commonly prescribe Pilates exercises to work on core strength and range of movement, address postural issues and help correct any imbalances in muscle strength.This in turn can help alleviate pain and improve quality of life. Depending on the ability of the individual, level of experience and diagnosis, exercises may start at a very basic level of mat Pilates before progressing to more challenging programs. When deemed safe, clients can incorporate programs such as The Pilates Class into their lifestyle, who offer a range of classes that can be done remotely, from any location, including Beginners Class, Beginners Intro Class and Traditional Flow 3 to name but a few.
Our women’s health specialist physiotherapists commonly treat women of all ages who suffer from pelvic, hip and/or sacroiliac joint pain, pre and post-natal aches and pains, and some more complex issues including diastasis recti. They often use Pilates exercises to promote controlled breathing work and mind-body connection, aiming to work towards optimum recruitment of the pelvic floor and abdominal muscles, an awareness of the perineum, and introduce a safe and guided return to physical activity. They can also identify muscle groups that may be hypertonic, and utilise Pilates to encourage body awareness and relaxation. The expertise of a women’s health physiotherapist in conjunction with The Pilates Class Prenatal Full Body, Prenatal Lower Body, Prenatal Stretch, Recovery and Gentle Movement online classes can create a well structured and synergistic approach to management.
A high volume of our caseloads are also made up of running and sports injuries. Running and certain sports can sometimes lead to emphasised recruitment of specific muscle groups more than others, leading to muscular imbalances and excessive stress on joints. Pilates exercises can be used to reduce any imbalances by strengthening muscles of the core, including the glutes, while improving balance and flexibility. This can help athletes become more attuned to their movement patterns and how their bodies respond to different exercises, which can lead to better running technique and a reduced risk of re-injury. Low impact Pilates strengthening and stretching exercises may be suitable for the initial stages of recovery, while faster paced, higher load exercises may be beneficial for longer term management and fitness maintenance.
The Pilates Class 80s Inspired Workout, HIIT Those Goals and Sweat, Energy Boost 6, Dancer’s Workout, and Yoga Inspired Stretch are great examples of fun and energetic classes that can be completed in the maintenance phase.
By combining the expertise of physiotherapists in diagnosing and treating musculoskeletal conditions with the principles and exercises of Pilates, individuals can experience a comprehensive approach to rehabilitation, pain management, and long-term physical fitness. Incorporating programs such as The Pilates Class into routine can have a positive influence on injury prevention, long term strength and stability. Please consult a doctor, physiotherapist or trained professional before undertaking any kind of exercise as a form of injury rehabilitation. If you would like to book in to see one of our physiotherapists at any Movement 101 clinic across Sydney, please click the link below: