What is Pilates Rehabilitation?
Gail Dodge, MSPT introduced the Lafayette area to the Pilates exercise system in 1998. For 11 years she has taught both mat and machine based classes and appropriately modified Pilates exercises to successfully correct musculo-skeletal issues in physical therapy.
To schedule an appointment once you have a physicians referral, please contact Lafayette Rehabilitation at the Indiana Spine Center - 765-446-5250.
HISTORY AND PHILOSOPHY OF PILATES
HISTORY
Joseph Pilates was born in 1888 in Germany and suffered from asthma, rickets, and rheumatic fever. He studied Zen meditation, yoga, and exercise regimens of the Greeks and Romans, improving his health improved enough to become an accomplished gymnast, boxer, and skier. He emigrated to England where he was interned during WWI in Lancaster. He taught his method to his fellow detainees of exercises combining physical fitness with mental activity with control of breathing to build core physical strength and flexibility. He later worked as a hospital orderly where he developed the early "Cadillac" (pilates exercise equipment) out of patients' beds to exercise disabled victims of war leading to improvements in recovery time. In 1923 he moved to New York where he completed his professional life running his studio with his wife Clara. His studio was particularly popular with dancers and performers like Martha Graham. In 1945 he authored "A Return to Life Through Contrology" which he hoped would be the basis for good health and a sound mind and body.
PHILOSOPHY
Pilates believed it imperative to gain mastery of one's body. This occurs only through balance of the physical, mental and spiritual. Original movements intermixed with exercises from yoga, dance and gymnastics. The repertoire consists of over 500 exercises done on mat of pieces or equipment Pilates invented. Lafayette Rehabilitation uses the Reformer, Cadillac, Wunda Chair, barrels as well as ½ rollers, BOSU and Gymnic balls.
Pilates method works to strengthen the core, lengthen the spine, build muscle tone and increase body awareness and flexibility. Pilates principles include:
• Breathing
• Concentration
• Control
• Centering
• Precision
• Flow
Spinal stability is improved by strengthening both global and local muscles (called the "center" or "powerhouse".) Correcting spinal orientation by lengthening the spine is the antidote to constant slouching. Improving motor control (body awareness) for stability, increasing the tone of stabilizing muscles and encouraging stability throughout the entire range of human motion are focus points.
CURRENT CONCEPTS
Spine stability is based on three main elements:
1. Ligaments
2. Muscles
3. Control of the Central Nervous System
The systems are interdependent. Back pain happens when dysfunction occurs among these elements. Neutral position of the spine is the position in which overall stresses in the spinal column and muscular effort to hold the posture are minimal. Pilates exercises focus on these concepts. Muscular control of the abdominals (especially Transverse Abdominus, Multifidus, and Obliques), buttocks, intrinsics of the lumbar and midback muscles are the center piece of this exercise system.
For more information on Pilates and exercises for the back, pelvis, hip and shoulders, please contact Lafayette Rehabilitation at the Indiana Spine Center - 765-446-5250.
