One of the best-known treatments for illness or disease is exercise. Pilates can provide many health benefits by improving flexibility, movement and muscle strength when done with a qualified instructor.
What is Pilates? Pilates was developed in the early 20th century by Joseph Pilates. His intention was to improve rehabilitation programs during the first world war and to assist soldiers in regaining their health through stretching, strengthening and stabilising their muscles.
Pilates can improve flexibility and strength with a focus on aligning the spine and lengthening the body. Pilates concentrates on the core of your body, between your shoulders and pelvis. Pilates aims to leave you feeling energised, strong, focused, and clear.
What is Clinical Pilates? Clinical Pilates focuses on retraining movement patterns with improved abdominal control, body awareness, and proper breathing. It is more important to focus on the quality of each posture/movement and the integration of the whole body; this is the focal point of Clinical Pilates.
Clinical Pilates pays particular attention to postural education which enables optimal movement in the body. A Chiropractor will closely guide your technique to prevent any injury and develop a series of exercises tailored specifically to your movement needs.
Clinical Pilates is run by qualified Chiropractors with certified training who have an in-depth knowledge about musculoskeletal anatomy and rehabilitation. This makes Clinical Pilates a safe and effective form of exercise for injuries and rehabilitation when taught by an experienced Chiropractor.
Clinical Pilates sessions are conducted one on one, or one on four, meaning patients receive close supervision, ensuring your safety and comfort with the use of high quality equipment.What are the Benefits of Clinical Pilates?
Improves strength and flexibility.
Improves balance and movement.
Improves spinal alignment, movement and posture.
Improves correct breathing.
Assists with motor control.
Great for rehabilitation and post-surgery.
Improves pelvic floor strength.
Helps with back pain and posture issues.
Improves tone and body shape.
Who will benefit from Clinical Pilates?
Rehabilitation and Injuries
Clinical Pilates is beneficial for those recovering from injury, surgery and when undertaking rehabilitation for persistent or chronic pain. Individuals who suffer from musculoskeletal pain or injury or those looking to address muscle imbalances unique to their own bodies. Pilates can help you to regain your strength, motor control and balance in a safe and supervised environment.
Athletes
Clinical Pilates can assist with or add to a current training program. Pilates can help to increase sports performance and fine tune your sports and agility skills. It may even help to prevent injuries and help stay injury-free during sport. It is suitable to strengthen the knee, hip, shoulder, ankle, neck, thoracic spine and lower back – the whole body!
Poor Posture
Prolonged sitting or repetitive posturing may lead to back and neck pain, as well as poor posture. Clinical Pilates is great for improving your posture, stretching, and strengthening the muscles that support your spine and body. It will enable you to gain good muscle control and importantly the muscular endurance for sustain control.
Older Adults
As we age, balance and strength often decrease. However, Pilates is great for maintaining and improving strength and balance as you age. Being taught in a safe and supervised environment, prevents the risk of injury and enables strength to be gained safely.
Arthritis and Osteoporosis
Arthritis is very individual. Not everyone has the same joints affected or has the same symptoms, hence Clinical Pilates being tailored to suit an individual’s needs and health while supervised, can enable improved strength and mobility. Clinical Pilates incorporates weight-bearing and impact activities which can improve bone mineral density. A recent study in postmenopausal women with osteoporosis found a significant increase in bone mineral density in the lumbar region following a clinical Pilates program. The equipment used in Clinical Pilates can also help to build muscle strength by adding resistance in the form of springs. Other benefits of Pilates include correction of postural changes, reduced pain and improved mobility, balance and coordination.
Pregnancy Pilates
Many expectant mums require strengthening to support the many changes their bodies go through in preparation for birth and postpartum; Clinical Pilates is an excellent tool to support and stabilize the lower back and pelvis. Pilates can be tailored for pregnant women to assist with any pregnancy-related issues. Pregnancy Pilates can help to strengthen the pelvic and abdominal muscles which are under a lot of pressure during pregnancy. Antenatal Pilates can also assist in preparing for the birth process through breathing and relaxation techniques. Pilates can also help with postpartum recovery by improving muscle strength, pelvic floor control and posture.
Children and Adolescents
Children continue to develop physically and cognitively during their childhood and adolescent years. Pilates can enhance this natural developmental process, whilst simultaneously combating the ill effects and poor postural habits developed through increasingly sedentary and technological lifestyles.
Benefits of Pilates for children and adolescents:
provides controlled, safe exercise with attention to individual biomechanics
develops postural awareness and encourages mindfulness in movement and at rest
improves muscle balance, strength and flexibility
develops dynamic stability and endurance
enhances cognitive and motor centres of the Central Nervous System, improving coordination and skill acquisition
reduces stress levels and improves self-esteem through centering, concentration and body awareness
