So, you’re getting on a bit and are thinking about pilates physiotherapy, are you? Well, Pilates isn’t just a think for sporty types and ballerinas, it can help you greatly as well. So what exactly is pilates? Well, developed in the early 20th century buy a German chap called Joseph Pilates, and is based around the idea of using the mind to control the muscles. The key thing about pilates physiotherapy is that it focuses on the core postural muscles, which is the lynchpin to balance and keeping the rest of your muscles in top form.
Pilates physiotherapy also focuses on breathing and providing support for the spinal column, which in and of itself will help with pretty much any muscular or orthopedic ailment you have. Of course, you need not necessarily buy into the more spiritual aspect of the training, but it’s a fantastic way to support any physio you’re undergoing for whatever reason. One of the key aspects to pilates physiotherapy is that you never push your joints further than the ligaments should, meaning that it’s an entirely risk free form of exercise.
You will find, if you do any length of pilates physiotherapy, that you will build the centre of your body into a powerhouse of well-balanced muscles. This encompasses the abs, lower back, hips and buttocks – many of the places we feel are a little too flabby anyway. From here, you will find that other muscles groups will benefit greatly with your increased flexibility and strength.
You will find pilates physiotherapy easier in some respects than other forms of physio, but harder in one key element, namely concentration. One of the key tenets of the whole philosophy is that you have no superfluous movement, and everything is kept very much in control. This doesn’t come naturally to many, but it can also be a benefit in and of itself, particularly with learning to build muscle memory again after any kind of trauma or degenerative muscle ailment such as Parkinson’s disease.
There are a number of pieces of equipment you may need to purchase in order to complete the full set of pilates physiotherapy exercises, which can be found at your local gym or online. These will help you access the full range of exercises, but may not be necessary for some, depending on your level of involvement. They are relatively cheap and simple, including large rubber bands, balls and springs.
Whatever your ailment, or even if you are just looking for a preventative measure to put off the inevitability of old-age inflexibility, pilates physiotherapy is amongst the best set of exercises you can do to keep yourself fit and healthy.