Pilates: A Physical Therapist’s View

Throughout the years, many physical therapists have started to use the Pilates method of exercise as part of their rehabilitation with their patients. What is the difference between receiving Pilates from a physical therapist (trained in Pilates) versus a regular Pilates trainer? A physical therapist has a clinical focus that now requires a doctorate degree. The physical therapist has extensive education in academic knowledge of pathological conditions, biomechanics, anatomy, kinesiology, therapeutic exercise, and the rehabilitation process. A physical therapist, who is PMA (Pilates Method Alliance) certified or has gone through a comprehensive Pilates training program, can include the principles of the Pilates Method (strength, coordination, balance, motor control, flexibility, breathing, and conscious and unconscious mastery of functional movement) into the rehabilitation exercise program. These principles will allow the program to be more successful. The physical therapist, trained in Pilates, can integrate the whole body approach and movement assessment into the rehabilitation program. A Pilates-trained physical therapist should have an improved ability to assess, re-educate and correct the cause of pain, versus treating the symptoms of pain as many common pathologies are a result of poor movement patterns or postural patterns and not necessarily a result of injury or trauma.

If you are struggling to find the right type of exercise for you, contact me or another physical therapist with Pilates training through Polestar Pilates or the Pilates Method Alliance.