Pilates As A Corrective Exercise: Here’s How It Can Help With Rehabilitation
Despite the fact Pilates is known for being an effective, accessible and fun fitness method all over the world, many people don’t realise that the Pilates method was originally developed for injury rehabilitation – and is still in fact used today to help people with injuries get back to their healthier, more able selves. If you’re a fan of Pilates, take a minute to learn more about where your favourite fitness routines came from, and how it can be an effective form of rehabilitation.
What can Pilates be used to treat?
Pilates can provide effective relief from back and neck pain, muscle pain, sports injuries and more, as well as helping to provide rehabilitation after experiencing loss of function due to neurological impairments such as a stroke. Pilates has even been used to help cancer survivors regain a physical sense of vitality after treatment.
While no one is claiming that Pilates is a ‘cure all’ method, there is evidence to show it is a helpful and viable option for those dealing with any of the above.
How does it work?
As you likely already know, Pilates helps to condition and improve the body by building up muscle strength, increasing flexibility, creating a better sense of balance and supplementing overall health.
Depending on the patient’s condition and abilities, they will be able to start with a range of easy movements to get used to moving their body again. As they build up their strength through the basic exercises, they will eventually be able to move on to higher intensity Pilates moves and routines that will help them on their path to recovery.
The fact the muscles are strengthened during the process also helps to put the patient at a lower risk of experiencing a similar injury in the future.
Another benefit is that Pilates can be a fairly low impact for those who so wish, which makes it ideal for keeping as fit as possible and staying active at times when you may not be able to handle a high-intensity workout.
Pilates can be beneficial even after recovery.
Even once the patient has fully recovered from their injury, they will still find themselves reaping the benefits of Pilates, such as improved coordination, balance and strength – perhaps even better than before their injury occurred. That’s why many Pilates rehab patients continue to enjoy Pilates as a fitness activity, ensuring their body will always be kept in the best possible condition.
If you enjoy doing Pilates for either fitness or rehabilitation purposes, check out the range here at Proactive Pilates Equipment Australia. We have everything you need to get started with Pilates or to build upon your existing routine. We look forward to helping you find your ideal Pilates products.
