At Physical Therapy & Injury Specialists (PTIS), Pilates is a beneficial tool for our spinal patients to augment our rehabilitation services. From general back pain to post-spinal surgery, Pilates can improve function and decrease pain. Sometimes, a patient presents with general de-conditioning that can be helped with the total body stabilization theory behind Pilates. The Pilates exercise method to stretch, strengthen, and balance the body has proven to decrease recovery time and allow for good health and stability of the spine.
What is Pilates?
Pilates is an exercise method that uses low-intensity motions to improve wellbeing. During each class, a teacher walks you through a series of motions and poses. The pace in Pilates class is slow and measured and includes repetitive movements. Exercises often focus on the core and aim to keep movements controlled and precise.
While Pilates does build strength and endurance, that’s not its only goal. This exercise also improves the mind-body connection. Students focus on breathing, alignment, and bodily control. Pilates motions help with balance, flexibility, and stabilization.
What are the benefits of Pilates?
Overall, Pilates provides a lot of the standard benefits of regular exercise. It can build endurance, improve strength, and increase muscle tone. Like any cardio, it burns calories and builds aerobic health. If you enjoy Pilates, doing it often is a great way to stay fit.
Furthermore, this type of exercise helps with whole-body wellness. People who do it often find that their balance and flexibility improve too. These benefits can make it easier to perform daily tasks. You might notice that you move with more ease and feel less pain after activity.
Some research has also found that Pilates is useful for rehab. Since it is very gentle and low-intensity, it works well for people with issues like osteoporosis and slipped discs. It’s also popular while recovering from injuries. The precise movements allow people to exercise without accidentally straining anything.
Reference: bodyworkmovementtherapies.com
Who should do Pilates?
Pilates works well for many people. Everyone from children to seniors can try it, and it provides perks for those at all fitness levels. Usually, you only need to avoid it if you are too ill to exercise. When in doubt, check with a doctor before starting exercises. Generally, it’s a good choice for people who want to:
- Recover from an injury
- Change their body shape
- Improve wellbeing
- Become more physically fit
- Enhance athletic performance
- Address chronic health issues
Is it covered by insurance?
Most insurance classifies Pilates as an exercise regimen instead of a healthcare treatment. Therefore, it’s usually not covered. There’s a lot of variety in plans, so check yours carefully. Some plans may offer coverage from wellness programs and gym memberships. In these cases, your Pilates class might also have coverage.
Please call Physical Therapy & Injury Specialists (PTIS) in Englewood, CO, at our physical therapy clinic on Pearl Street or South Maroon to verify if your insurance is accepted. We also offer an affordable self-pay option.