Clinical Pilates

By Megan Mac Vay

Clinical Pilates is a form of physical exercise that focuses on posture, spine and core stability, balance, control, strength, muscular symmetry, coordination, flexibility, proprioception and breathing. The Pilates Method was developed by Joseph Pilates in the early 20th century in Germany.

Pilates is a very popular form of exercise for the old and young, particularly amongst woman. This however, need not be where it ends. Clinical Pilates can also be used in conjunction with physiotherapy and Biokinetics as a means of treating a variety of injuries, particularly those of the neck and back.

Recent research advocates the retraining of the deep stabilizing muscles in the back for patients with lower back pain. Clinical Pilates focuses on the retraining and recruitment of these stabilizing muscles (core stability) as well as improving posture, strength and flexibility.

What’s the difference?

Generic Pilates - a means to exercise directed at the general public.

Clinical Pilates - aimed at those with certain injuries and as such is used as a rehabilitation tool by those who are qualified in rehabilitation. Clinical Pilates identifies this key issue by applying carefully selected exercises for people with specific injuries. This ensures optimal gains whilst minimizing the likelihood of aggravating the injury.

Benefits of Clinical Pilates

There are numerous benefits to be gained from performing Clinical Pilates exercises. Some of these include:

·         Improved posture and core stability

·         Increased muscular strength and flexibility

·         Prevention of injuries

·         Aiding rehabilitation

·         Restoration of normal movement patterns

·         Enhanced breathing control

·         Increased co-ordination and muscular control

·         Firmer and flatter stomach muscles

·         Improved overall body tone and fitness

·         Improved balance

Research? A case study of a 48 year old man with chronic lower back pain revealed an 85.1% improvement for pain intensity and an 87.7% improvement in Oswestry score for functional disability after just six therapy sessions in which Pilates was used as an exercise tool.

Pilates is used to successfully treat or manage many common conditions and diseases, including:

·         Spinal injuries

o Herniated or degenerated disc, sciatica, unstable sacroiliac joints, scoliosis, arthritis, spondylolisthesis and spondylosis

·         Total knee/hip replacements

·         Multiple Sclerosis

·         Parkinson’s Disease or Multiple Sclerosis

·         Fibromyalgia

·         Postural and biomechanical weaknesses

·         Sports conditioning and injury prevention