What is Pilates?
Pilates is receiving huge success as a corrective exercise and rehabilitation tool.
Bodyfirm progressive Pilates technique is a movement technique with emphasis on muscular balance and postural alignment. Movements are flowing using conscious breathing and concentration, which can improve flexibility, mobility and facilitate a more balanced functioning body. It is a safe and highly effective way to stretch, strengthen and streamline your body without stressing your joints or building bulk.
Pilates aims to improve the quality of movement and function both by facilitating body awareness, strength, flexibility, coordination and endurance. The aim of the technique is to recruit the correct postural muscles in the abdominal and lower back region in order to stabilise and support the spine.
By using Pilates Therapy to create a strong centre, organizing the trunk, aligning our shoulder and pelvic girdles we distribute the load through a network of appropriate structures, which ultimately may result in a better quality of movement, in performing the ADL’s (activities of daily living). Movements may become more effective and efficient.
Pilates develops control without stressing the spine and corrects muscle imbalances. Pilates trains muscles to develop control through their full range of movement in a variety of combinations resulting in long flexible muscles -with greater strength through their entire range.
The Pilates method has recently been applied to injury management by some medical professionals and has been utilized in the management of spinal pain, in the form of stabilisation exercise and movement re-education. Pilates has applications in the management of soft tissue injuries, joint restrictions, sports and dance injuries. It is also a valuable exercise regime for the deconditioned individual as it is a gentle form of exercise, which can be progressed to advanced levels.
Clinical Pilates
This is a form of Pilates which is physiotherapist lead and tailored towards the needs of clients who are recovering from injury. Clinical Pilates is used as a form of rehabilitation particularly in back pain patients to aid recovery and reduce the risk of re-occurrence. This form of pilates is currently offered on a one to one case.
