Have you ever been frustrated after finding your patients doing
mindless repetitions of exercises and ignoring form and alignment? Often, we find our patients using the wrong muscles to cope with pain and/or muscular imbalances. Pilates is an exercise system that helps to integrate mind, body and spirit. One is taught to move with control and concentration, while emphasizing proper form and utilization of the correct musculature while maintaining good body alignment. In addition, breathing is performed with the exercises to activate the core stabilizing muscles while promoting relaxation. The Pilates principles can be applied to many populations that therapists treat on a daily
basis, and can be integrated into traditional rehabilitation programs to
enhance functional goals. Pilates has been used successfully to
rehabilitate breast cancer survivors, post knee and hip replacements, Parkinsons’ disease as well as children. Lab sessions will be devoted to learning and properly executing the exercises on phase 1 to phase 3 continuum. Applications will be discussed for orthopedic, neurological, and womens’ health concerns.