Why the Pilates Method?

I was introduced to pilates mat and equipment exercise in 1985 while rehabilitating a knee injury. As a pre-professional ballet dancer, I experienced a myriad of injuries in which pilates assisted my recovery. Since experiencing the benefits in my own body, I have seen the unbelievable changes my patients have experienced over the last 18 years. The variety of patients and conditions that pilates-based exercise can be applied to is vast, including, but not limited to, conditions such as osteoarthritis, osteoporosis, fibromyalgia and chronic pain. 
The primary reason that so many conditions can benefit from this work is the incredible repertoire of exercises included in the pilates method, with common principles which can be applied to all experiencing pain. 

Some common principles include:

• Postural education & neutral spine 
• Breath & its function with movement 
• Alignment & organization of the body 
• Core control & pelvic stability in multiple planes of movement 
• Correcting muscular imbalances by stretching and strengthening of the appropriate muscles
• Focus, control, and coordination 

The skill of the pilates instructor is to be able to select and administer the appropriate exercises for the given client and their condition. For example, for our osteoporotic clients, we avoid thoracic flexion, and focus on core control, hip strength and balance. For our osteoarthritis clients we might focus on pain management, posture and body mechanics, and flexibility for the joints involved.  
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At Pilates Santé, the certified pilates instructors are required to complete an injury pathology curriculum taught by physical therapists so that they can offer safe and specialized sessions to clients with a variety of conditions. The application of knowledge and pilates based therapeutic movement creates an incredible healing environment, which I have seen clients thrive in for nearly 18 years.