What is Clinical Pilates?
Clinical Pilates is a collection of therapeutic exercises combining Pilates and physical therapy exercises with special breathing techniques and special equipment to treat musculoskeletal disorders and protect your general body.
Clinical Pilates is a rehabilitation and exercise method inspired by the classical Pilates exercise system developed by Joseph Pilates. Clinical Pilates is a type of Pilates practice used especially in the field of physiotherapy and rehabilitation.
The main purpose of Clinical Pilates is to correct imbalances in the body, improve posture, strengthen core muscles, increase flexibility, and ensure muscle balance. This method aims to improve mental and physical health while increasing the individual’s body awareness.
Clinical Pilates is used especially to deal with regional pain such as in the waist, back, and neck, to manage spine problems such as scoliosis, to correct posture, to eliminate muscle weakness or imbalances, to support the rehabilitation of sports injuries, and contribute to a general healing process.
This method is performed under the supervision of a professional Pilates instructor or physiotherapist. Clinical Pilates classes are often customized to the individual’s needs and abilities. Exercises are performed in accordance with the body’s needs and safety, usually using a Pilates mat or special Pilates equipment.
Clinical Pilates focuses on balancing, strengthening, and stretching the body while incorporating breathing control and mental concentration. This method can help a person maintain a healthier lifestyle while also helping to prevent injuries and heal the body.
Benefits of Clinical Pilates
Clinical Pilates offers several health and fitness benefits when done regularly. Some of the main benefits provided by Clinical Pilates are:
- **Posture Improvement**: Clinical Pilates promotes correct posture, which maintains spinal alignment, reduces back and neck pain, and prevents posture disorders going forward.
- **Core Strengthening**: Clinical Pilates strengthens the core muscles (abdominal, waist, pelvic floor, and back muscles), which are at the center of the body, increasing stability, maintaining balance, and helping to perform daily activities more effectively.
- **Increased Flexibility and Mobility**: Clinical Pilates increases flexibility and improves joint mobility, making the body more mobile, reducing muscle tension, and reducing the risk of injury.
- **Development of Muscle Balance and Coordination**: Clinical Pilates provides muscle balance and increases coordination between different muscle groups, allowing more effective and balanced movement.
- **Reducing the Risk of Injury**: Clinical Pilates reduces the risk of injury by correcting imbalances in the body and strengthening the muscles. It also improves athletes’ performance by teaching correct forms and techniques.
- **Stress and Mental Relaxation**: Clinical Pilates requires correct breathing control and concentration, which reduces stress, calms the mind, and increases mental focus.
- **Rehabilitation and Pain Management**: Clinical Pilates supports the rehabilitation of certain injuries and chronic pain. When performed in a program led by physical therapists, Clinical Pilates reduces pain and speeds recovery.
These benefits can be achieved if Clinical Pilates is performed regularly and correctly. Clinical Pilates specifically programmed and administered to suit the individual’s needs and body conditions, can improve health and enhance overall quality of life.