Clinical Pilates: all you need to know

Clinical Pilates, although related to the method of Pilates as we know it, consists in an individualized and specific evaluation done by a physical therapist to each patient.

In the Clinical Pilates evaluation, the professional checks for the needs patients have and then identifies any conditions, limitations, medical recommendations or indications of pre-existing diagnoses, outlining the specific objectives to carry out the method. It is of great importance that the therapist has a complete knowledge about the particularities of each patient.

Unlike what many people think Clinical Pilates is not a physical therapy treatment itself, however, it can very well be seen as complement to it and it proves to quite effective helping on the treatment of back problems.

Clinical Pilates: what to know about this method?

Clinical Pilates: how does it work?

Based on the assessment that is previously done to the student or patient, an individual program with the exercises, the number of sessions that are necessary per week and also the length of the program are defined.

On the same day the student or patient is evaluated, an experimental class takes place, so that he can feel the principles of the method, putting them into practice in some basic exercises. There are even some clinics that, in addition, do a computerized postural evaluation in order to have an accurate analysis of the patient clinical changes, which also allows to define the treatment goals so that they are efficiently achieved.

In what concerns to the exercises during the sessions, they are specific to each patient, and one of the most important things at this moment is to ensure that the patient does not have any pain while performing them and that he is assisted by a professional who is trained in the method. As mentioned before, this method is a complement to physical therapy, but it is not only used by people who need rehabilitation. Some people see it to be very beneficial as physical activity maintenance.

How does a Clinical Pilates session work?

The Clinical Pilates classes or sessions take about 60 minutes and in order for it to have the best results for the students or patients, they shouldn’t have more than two people. This way, the therapist ensures he is performing the technique with safety and efficacy, as he will be able to pay the attention needed during the practice of the exercises.

The class consists of exercises in solo or Pilates Mat and equipment, such as the Chair, the Cadillac, the Reformer and the Lader barrel, which are the main appliances that one can see in a Pilates Studio. There are also some other accessories that make the movements more difficult.

What kind of pathologies can be worked on with Clinical Pilates?

The most common pathologies that you can find in a Pilates Clinic are, of course, different according to the type of people that attend the place, such as women, men, young people or sedentary middle-aged people, among others. Some of the most common ones are:

• Cervical Disc Herniation
• Lumbar Disc Hernia
• Postoperative of Column Surgeries
• Scoliosis/Scholastic Attitude
• Spondylolisthesis
• Spinal arthrosis
• Knee Arthrosis
• Hip Arthroscopy
• Post-operative Knee Surgery
• Sacroiliac Dysfunction

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