Today, I wanted to answer a question that I get asked a lot…
What’s the difference between a Pilates Routine and a Rehab Routine?
I’m honestly SO glad you asked! ;-)
PILATES ROUTINE
Focus on challenging the nervous system so the body retains what was taught
Specific exercises designed to challenge the entire body at once
Complex movements that get the entire body working together. Improves mobility, strength, balance, control and dynamic stability
REHAB ROUTINE
Focus on calming nervous system so the pain cycle stops
Specific exercises (done pain free) designed to mobilize + strengthen one area Ex: Shoulder, knee
Patterns of movement (to connect the painful area to the rest of the body) performed laying down or seated with intent to bring pattern back to “baseline”
WAIT! WHAT DOES BASELINE MEAN?
Pattern NOT at Baseline:
Not trainable
Will fail when challenged
Needs to work basics of mobility, strength, balance, and dynamic stability
Starting a rehab program is appropriate
Pattern at Baseline:
Trainable
Will improved when challenged
Mobility, strength, balance, control, and dynamic stability will improve
Starting a Pilates program is appropriate
Testing physical movement patterns to assess “baseline” requires an additional technique that I use with my students.
Functional movement screen (FMS) tests the seven different movement patterns that exist within the body.
REHAB + PILATES + FMS
The truth is this…rehab is built directly in to the Pilates system. Because of this connection the method is incredibly supportive, versatile, and challenging.
But the information we gain out of the FMS screen directs where we put our focus in session.
Because although rehab is built into the Pilates system, knowing how to pull forward the appropriate exercises + sequences to meet your body’s particular needs is the difference between up leveling your workout or back sliding into pain.
Curious about your own baseline? Drop a ❤️ below and I’ll reach out with next steps.