Pilates & Physiocare

The Perfect Combination for Various Therapeutic Functions

The journey towards enhancing our wellness often leads us to explore various avenues of physical activity, and one such practice that has gained widespread acclaim for its therapeutic benefits is Pilates. Indeed, besides its well-known uses for wellness and fitness, there is also an established symbiotic relationship between Pilates and physical therapy. In this article, I will answer various questions about how the ageless practice of Pilates can be deployed as physical therapy, as well as its transformative power as an integral part of a rehabilitation programme.

What is Pilates?

Pilates is a full-body, low-impact, controlled exercise that improves strength, flexibility, balance, awareness and body alignment, and enables you to move with ease. There are different types of Pilates, which includes Traditional Pilates (also known as "Classical Pilates"), Contemporary Pilates and Clinical Pilates.

Traditional Pilates refers to a series of exercises designed by Joseph Pilates. Traditional Pilates exercises are performed in the precise sequence he had intended, with the purpose of achieving complete coordination of body, mind and spirit. It involves the use of equipment referred by him as apparatus. Pilates believed that his method, Contrology, would activate brain cells to stimulate the mind and affect the body.

On the other hand, Contemporary Pilates is a combination of Traditional Pilates with various exercise modifications and physiotherapy that promotes neutral spine to provide flexibility towards exercise variations that suit individual body types and needs. Contemporary Pilates uses props such as resistance band, Pilates ball and dumbbells to enhance the benefits of Pilates.