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What is Clinical Pilates and What Are Its Benefits?
Clinical Pilates, which has been steadily gaining popularity in recent years, has made a significant impact in the treatment of various health conditions through its adaptation by healthcare professionals. Prof. Dr. Semih Akı, a Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation Specialist and Chiropractor at Anadolu Medical Center, along with Physiotherapist Rabia Fındık, explained that clinical pilates is widely used in treating conditions such as lower back pain, neck and back pain, posture disorders, orthopedic injuries, neurological diseases like multiple sclerosis and Parkinson’s, rheumatological diseases, cancer, osteoporosis, joint diseases, spinal deformities, and even during pregnancy. Here are the details they shared about this topic...
What is Clinical Pilates?
The Pilates method is an exercise system developed by Joseph Pilates in the early 1900s. Initially used by dancers in the 1980s, this method evolved into "clinical pilates" in the 2000s after being adapted by healthcare professionals.
There are eight key principles of the clinical pilates method: focus on the spine, concentration, breath control, movement control, stability, fluidity of movement, isolation of movements, and repetition. When these principles are correctly applied in the exercise program, they help strengthen and support the spine and surrounding muscles. This is referred to as the "powerhouse" in Pilates. The goal of clinical pilates is to ensure the proper functioning of the powerhouse during all exercises.
What diseases is it used to treat?
Clinical Pilates is commonly used in the treatment of conditions such as lower back pain, neck and back pain, posture disorders, orthopedic injuries, neurological diseases (Multiple Sclerosis, Parkinson’s), rheumatological diseases, cancer, osteoporosis, joint diseases (osteoarthritis), spinal deformities (scoliosis), and pregnancy-related issues.
What are the benefits of Clinical Pilates?
The areas where Pilates is effective are continually increasing. Pilates exercises improve spinal flexibility, joint movement, muscle strength, endurance, circulation, and respiratory system capacity, while also enhancing motivation, focus, and energy levels. With the correct application of Pilates principles, the spine and surrounding muscle groups are controlled, posture disorders are corrected, and the use of arms and legs, body awareness, and balance are also improved.
How often should it be done?
When done regularly, it can significantly improve body posture, body structure, and self-confidence. It should be practiced at least twice a week (ideally 3-5 times), for 30-45 minutes each session.
Is it recommended for all ages?
There is no age limit for clinical pilates. It is recommended under doctor supervision in various fields and age groups, provided that the exercise principles are followed and the person's body structure and existing health conditions are considered.
Are there any patient groups you do not recommend?
Patients with heart and lung diseases, pregnant women at risk of preterm birth, and individuals with serious health problems are not recommended to practice pilates. However, individuals with physical discomfort or pregnant women can start pilates with doctor approval.
What equipment is used in Clinical Pilates (also known as Reformer Pilates)?
Reformer Pilates, generally known as “reformer,” includes various equipment that enhances exercise variety. The reformer consists of a platform mounted on wheels with springs providing movement. The tension of the springs offers different levels of resistance and can be adjusted according to a person’s weight, height, or workout level. The Tower is the vertical part of the reformer device, also known as the "tower." The Cadillac, which differs from the reformer and tower, is equipped with bars on the top, enabling exercises while hanging, lying down, or standing. The Combo-Cadillac combines all the parts of the reformer, tower, and Cadillac equipment.
Can it be used for weight loss?
Clinical pilates exercises are particularly effective for improving muscle strength, flexibility, and endurance, especially in the spine. To lose weight, it is necessary to combine Pilates with a good diet plan and long-term follow-up. Pilates is especially beneficial for spine health, correcting posture disorders, bringing posture to ideal levels, and helping individuals create a healthy, confident appearance.
Last Updated Date: 05 September 2022
Publication Date: 05 September 2022
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