126 Pearl St, Fort Collins, CO 80521, US
Appointments: (970) 229-1617
PILATES
During these one-on-one sessions, core muscle firing is palpated and supervised during each workout to ensure that specific muscles are engaged or isolated.
PILATES
Pilates is a unique and proven* core abdominal and spinal muscle-strengthening method developed by Joseph H. Pilates (1883-1967). In addition to strengthening the deeper, core abdominal and lower back muscles, Pilates exercises encourage awareness of breath and spinal alignment. Many clients, even those who regularly exercise, are surprised to find that their core muscles are weak or inhibited.
At Potts Physical Therapy, a Reformer (a specially designed anti-gravity, exercise apparatus) is used with a modified, progressive exercise series to correct inhibited or weakened core muscles. Initially, these sessions focus on proper muscular sequencing in a reclined position without stress on the spine. As the core strength of the individual is increased, a series of more challenging (against-gravity) exercises are added. Eventually, clients are progressed to a standard program that can be done at home or in a Pilates gym class.
During these one-on-one sessions, core muscle firing is palpated and supervised during each workout to ensure that specific muscles are engaged or isolated. In addition, pelvic and spinal alignment is checked before and after each workout to ensure that the neuro-muscular system has not been over-challenged. This process allows for ensuring proper pelvic and spinal alignment and relief of pain while increasing activity levels and preventing further injury.
* Physiotherapist/physical therapist Paul Hodges and his colleagues at the University of Queensland, Australia, have shown why the Pilates method works. Using real-time Ultrasound imaging, they studied the firing patterns of the core stabilization muscles and the global, power/movement muscles and determined the importance of the Transversus Abdominus muscle in spinal stabilization.