Top ten benefits of clinical pilates

Top ten benefits of clinical pilates

Clinical Pilates is used to treat various musculoskeletal pains and dysfunctions, injuries and after surgery. An expert physiotherapist uses their sound knowledge of body mechanics and exercise science then combines them with the principles of Pilates creating a holistic treatment plan for your specific problem.

After performing a clinical assessment of your condition the therapist devises a tailor-made programme which is then gradually progressed according to your body’s ability and response to the exercise.

Relieves​ ​Chronic​ ​Pain:​

​Pilates targets the core and back muscles to regain the natural curvatures of the spine, improve joint stiffness and relieve back and neck pain. The reformer also works beautifully for knees with the resistance springs helping to build muscle strength which improves walking and other physical activities.

Corrects​ ​Posture:

By strengthening the weak muscles and stretching the tighter ones, Pilates works on correcting muscular imbalances which in turn corrects posture, and also lengthens the spine making you look taller.

Improves​ ​Range​ ​of​ ​Movement:

​Pilates involves stretching of various muscles of lower limb and spine and resulting in better range of motion and flexibility.

Activates​ ​Sleeping​ ​Muscles:

Pilates involves flow of movement & when done under supervision can specifically target the inactive muscles of the body helping them waking up.

Helps​ ​Treat​ ​Early​ ​Degenerative​ ​Conditions:​

Improving muscle tone and strength can slow down or stop a degenerative joint from getting worse, while the flexibility gained with each n helps reduce pain and improves walking pattern in the early phase of various arthritic conditions in the lower body. It is highly recommended to perform the exercises under the supervision of a physiotherapist.

Improves​ ​Cardio-Vascular​ ​Endurance:

Pilates is generally a 45-minute session workout with an emphasis on breathing. If you work continuously with no breaks it helps build cardio-vascular stamina for people who may not exercise regularly.

Improves​ ​Balance​ ​and​ ​Coordination:​​

The slow, smooth and controlled body movements of the Pilates techniques challenge the body to improve co-ordination and balance.

Injury​ ​Prevention:​

Many Injuries occur due to lack of strength, flexibility & balance, or lack of body awareness. Pilates is unique in the way it delivers all of these components at the same time. The clinical assessment finds the weak link of your body, or the root cause of the problem, then targets it to prevent future re-injury.

Performance​ ​enhancement:

Pilates is extremely popular with gymnasts, golfers, tennis players, swimmers and even dancers because various specific strength and flexibility programmes can be sports specific, ultimately enhancing performance and building a better career.

Encourages​ ​Movement:

People with chronic pain, injuries or after surgery may be afraid of using the affected body parts so may gradually lose the motivation to move. Pilates is a form of exercise which encourages movement and confidence to exercise with ease.

So whatever your circumstances, from looking to change fitness programmes to suffering with back pain that won’t settle, seek out your physiotherapist for advice on how Pilates can be of benefit to you.