Pilates Rehabilitation
Our Pilates instruction is a systematic movement based approach to neuromuscular re-education. Pilates rehabilitation exercise at Core Kensington is focused upon restoring efficient movement patterns and improving function, and less on treating the pain.
Our instructors are trained to observe and understand optimal and non-optimal movement strategies, and how these strategies correlate with pain and pathology.
We offer STOTT PILATES® instruction in our studio. STOTT PILATES® Education connotes high-caliber training, thorough expertise and a safe, scientific approach.
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Pilates exercise is available for people of all ages, abilities and walks of life.
Pilates for back pain
Pilates exercise is known to be core-centric. In other words, the emphasis is on first recruiting the core, or deep abdominal musculature and then working towards the periphery. The result is better abdominal recruitment patterns, increased spinal stability, and stronger and thicker musculature that is able to support the spine.
Improved abdominal muscular recruitment and better movement patterns are widely advocated in order to reduce and prevent further episodes of low back pain.
Conversely, Pilates exercises aim to mobilise the entire spine in different planes of motion. By stabilising weak and hypermobile spinal segments and mobilising restricted segments, better movement patterns can be achieved. It is thought that improved overall spinal mobility may help reduce pressure on hypermobile segments and improve the freedom of movement overall for a healthy spine, just as in the links of a bicycle chain.
Evidence based research suggests that a core strengthening programme may be beneficial in reducing pain scores, functional disability and reoccurrence of acute low back pain episodes.
The ROYAL COLLEGE OF GENERAL PRACTITIONERS advise people with low back pain to exercise*
- Consider offering a structured exercise programme tailored to the person:
- This should comprise up to a maximum of eight sessions over a period of up to 12 weeks.
- Offer a group supervised exercise programme, in a group of up to 10 people.
- A one-to-one supervised exercise programme may be offered if a group programme is not suitable for a particular person.
- Exercise programmes may include the following elements:
- aerobic activity
- movement instruction
- muscle strengthening
- postural control
- stretching.
If you are suffering from acute low back pain you must consult a medical specialist before starting any exercise programme.
Core Kensington offers osteopathic assessments prior to starting Pilates exercises for those participants who require a diagnosis before booking Pilates sessions.
*Low Back Pain: NICE full guideline (May 2009)
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Why Pilates for spinal and peripheral joint rehabilitation?
What sets Pilates apart from other forms of exercise is its mind-body approach to rehabilitation. Learning to connect the mind through breath in order to control the body is a mindful approach to movement, often found in ancient movement disciplines.
Newer concepts of rehabilitation include dynamic stability coordination and neuromuscular control, all of which are paramount to Pilates exercise.
Pilates is widely recommended by medical professionals as one of the safest ways to get strong with low-impact on joints. This form of exercise may be beneficial for just about everyone, regardless of age or ability.
Movement is life
A life without being able to perform simple everyday life activities such as tying your shoes, taking a shirt off, picking up something from the floor can be very debilitating. Whether through an injury or the ageing process our bodies undergo changes and often times movement quality and quantity declines.
As we age, our mobility decreases because our spine and other joints undergo rigidity.
Don’t let an injury or the ageing process stop you. Learn to move better and maintain your freedom of locomotion.
Discover the benefits of Pilates. Learn to move better. Whether you’re an elite athlete or on your way to rehabilitation, Pilates exercise can challenge any level, any age and abilities.
We see clients with a variety of injuries including many conditions of the spine and peripheral joints (shoulders, wrists, knees). Our clients often tell us how greatly they benefit from our post-rehabilitative exercise.
What models do we follow for Pilates rehabilitation?
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Specific stabilisation training has been demonstrated to reduce pain, disability and recurrence rates for numerous musculoskeletal conditions. The STOTT PILATES approach to rehabilitation is based on reestablishing dynamic control of the local and global muscular systems and restoring dynamic balance of stability and mobility
An integrated Model of Function is used as a foundation for the clinical reasoning throughout STOTT PILATES. Local and global muscle facilitation is achieved through the use of specific STOTT PILATES exercises and equipment. Skilled motor training principles guide client/patient education, verbal cueing, imagery and palpation. Content© Merrithew Corporation, used with permission.
We offer Pilates rehabilitation one to one personal training for:
• Spinal and peripheral joint rehabilitation, including back pain
• Scoliosis
• Postural construct
• Osteoporosis management
• Sports injuries
• Ante and post natal
• Pilates for life 50+
Pilates can make a profound difference in your health thought an evenly balanced and conditioned body. We strive to provide high-integrity solutions to help you fulfill your true potential.
Photography © Merrithew Corporation. Used with permission. www.merrithew.com
Ante and Postnatal Pilates
Photography © Merrithew Corporation. Used with permission. www.merrithew.com
If your doctor gives you the clear to exercise we can tailor Pilates workouts for you so that you are able to keep in shape during your pregnancy. It will be easier to return to your prenatal shape after delivery if you have been keeping active during your pregnancy. We will work on core stability, upper torso strength, thighs, arms, seat muscles, and keep your mobility and tone throughout your pregnancy.
By strengthening your arms shoulders, legs, and oblique abdominal muscles you will be able to cope better with carrying the weight of your baby as he grows.
