Are you one of the many people dealing with pain?  Are you looking for a way to reduce that pain and improve your daily life? If so, physical therapy and Pilates may be the right path for you. Physical therapy can help ease pain, improve mobility and promote healing.  Pilates can help to increase strength and stability.  Both offer unique benefits helping you on your journey to rehabilitation.  Keep reading to learn more about these two therapies and how they can help you get back to living your best life.

The Importance of Rehabilitation and How It Can Improve Your Quality of Life

You don’t have to live in pain.  Sometimes chronic pain sneaks up on us and becomes worse.  We develop coping mechanisms and believe it’s a part of life.  There’s a better way and physical therapy can help. 

Chronic or acute injuries left untreated may lead to more serious problems later on.  Take care of small issues when they arise. This may help avoid taking drastic measures later on, like surgery. 

Studies done on lower back pain affects our physiological, socioeconomic and functional ability. Results from a 3 month physical therapy routine with rest and exercise, show significant improvements in pain, mobility, strength and functional ability. Participants also reported the benefit of not having to reduce work hours from the improved physical health.  In turn improving their economic situation and psychological health.

What is Physical Therapy and How It Helps

Physical Therapy is a clinical practice that heals and improves strength and mobility.  Physical therapists are licensed and highly trained.  They address muscular imbalances and unhealthy movement patterns along with providing therapy.  They create a plan for you to recover from injury, as well as surgery rehabilitation.  Your PT works to help you return to your daily activities pain free.

The Difference Between Physical Therapy and Pilates

Physical therapists and Pilates instructors are both different and complementary. Joseph Pilates began rehabilitating soldiers during WW1 when there was no licensing for physical therapy. While he did rehabilitate with his method, today Pilates isn’t a licensed physical therapy method.  Many therapists use Pilates and are often trained in it to further help their patients. A good physical therapist can assist in “graduating” patients from therapy into Pilates exercise for growth and maintenance. 

This is often the case for patients who walk through the doors of ProHealth Physical Therapy.  What begins as a journey of healing, often turns into a new and invigorating Pilates practice.  Pilates is an excellent form of exercise in addition to PT.  It focuses on correct alignment, balanced muscular development and flexibility improvement. 

Pilates itself is not a formal rehabilitative practice on its own. If you’re recovering from injury or surgery, it’s best to see your doctor first for a physical therapy referral. 

When to Stop Rehab and Transition into Pilates

During physical therapy, your PT may add Pilates into sessions or recommend private Pilates.  This depends on your current state and goals.  As you progress through therapy, speak with your therapist about transitioning into Pilates.  They’ll recommend the right classes and Pilates instructor who’s familiar with your history.

At ProHealth Physical Therapy and Pilates, it’s a huge benefit having your PT and Pilates team under the same roof.  Many former PT clients have transitioned into a healthy Pilates practice.  If you’re interested in either PT or Pilates call today.  We’ll help you find where you belong and walk with you on your journey to health.