Is the Pilates Method good for rehabilitation?
Yes. Joseph Pilates began developing his theories of exercise rehabilitation and the exercise machines we use while working with injured soldiers during WWI. He claimed to be 50 years ahead of his time, and it appears he was correct. He discovered the benefits of using variable resistance (bedsprings). He taught both closed kinetic chain and stabilazation exercises and placed an equal emphasis on strength and flexibility to return full function to injured joints. He would even make his patients take walks right after surgery to increase their circulation. All the protocols for exercise rehabilitation have existed within the body of Pilates’ work for over 75 years. Many physical therapists are obtaining a Pilates certification and now take advantage of the hundreds of exercises created for this purpose. All of the Pilates exercises can be modified into gentle, simple movements. As the client’s strength and mobility increases the exercises can be carefully modified to increase the intens
