What exactly is physiotherapy?

Physiotherapy is an important treatment when it comes to getting your body fit again - be it after an injury, in case of pain or simply to make you feel more flexible and strong again in everyday life. It
is not just about massages or heat treatments, but above all about active exercises that specifically train your muscles, joints and movement sequences.

Many physiotherapists use a method that may already be familiar from fitness classes: Pilates. But don't worry - you don't have to be athletic or have any experience. Pilates can
be wonderfully adapted to your personal needs, regardless of whether you are in pain, want to exercise preventively or want to get back into shape after an operation.

What is Pilates actually?

Pilates is a gentle but very effective full-body workout that connects body and mind. The focus is on controlled, flowing movements that particularly strengthen your core - the so-called powerhouse. This includes your abdominal, back, pelvic floor and hip muscles.

The 6 principles of Pilates:

1. Concentration - you are fully focused and can feel what your body is doing.
2. Centering - Everything begins in the powerhouse.
3. Control - No quick, jerky movements, but consciously executed.
4. Posture - You pay attention to a healthy posture.
5. Breathing - Your breathing supports the movement.
6. Flow - The exercises flow smoothly and harmoniously into one another.

Why Pilates goes so well with physiotherapy

Even though Pilates does not originally come from medicine, it fits in perfectly with physiotherapy. Why? Because both pursue very similar goals:

• Relieve pain
• Improve mobility
• Optimize posture
• Strengthen body awareness
• Build muscle strength in a targeted manner

Physiotherapists can customize the Pilates workout to suit you - whether you're in rehab, have back pain or just want to feel healthier and more flexible
.

Who is Pilates suitable for in physiotherapy?

Clearly: For almost everyone! Here are a few examples of when Pilates can be particularly helpful:

• Back pain (also chronic)
• Problems with neck, shoulders or hips
• Joint wear and tear (e.g. osteoarthritis)
• After knee, hip or back surgery
• Muscle tension or poor posture
• Incontinence before or after the birth
• Stress, sleep problems or exhaustion
• Diseases such as Parkinson's, MS or fibromyalgia
• For sports injuries or to prevent falls in old age

Children, teenagers and older people also benefit
from the gentle and targeted exercises.

Pilates for winter sports fans

In Switzerland in particular, skiing accidents often occur in winter - knees, shoulders and head are particularly affected. Pilates can help prepare you specifically for the slopes. It strengthens your deep muscles, improves your balance and gives you more confidence on skis or the
snowboard.

What does the research say?

There are many studies that show this: Pilates can really help with various health problems. The training often brings noticeable improvements, particularly for back problems and chronic pain. Pilates is also increasingly recommended for neurological diseases or after operations.

But: Pilates is not a miracle cure. In the case of certain illnesses (e.g. acute
inflammation or herniated discs), you should always speak to your doctor beforehand.

What should you look out for?

The term "Pilates" is not protected. Therefore,
theoretically anyone can call themselves a "Pilates instructor" - even without in-depth
training. If you want to do Pilates as part of a physiotherapeutic treatment, make sure that your therapist has additional in-depth training in Pilates. This way, you can be sure that the exercises are really tailored to you and will do you good.

Conclusion: Pilates in physiotherapy - more than just a
trend

Pilates offers you the opportunity to strengthen your body holistically - gently, effectively and with fun. The method has now proven to be an established addition to physiotherapy. Whether for prevention,
treatment or rehab: Pilates can help you to move better
, feel better and improve your quality of life.

You don't need any previous sporting experience - just the desire to do something good for your body
. Try it out - preferably under the guidance of an experienced physiotherapist.

If you would like to learn more or simply try out Pilates, please contact one of our PILATES.CH partner studios:

Bea Eggimann – Pilates-Bern

Certified Pilates teacher and Art of Motion instructor and
examination expert

https://www.pilates-bern.ch/de/

LaBriece Ochsner – LB-Pilates Grenchen

Pilates Master Teacher and Balanced Body Senior Educator

https://lb-pilates.ch/welcome/

Michael Brunner - Spirit Studio Basel

Sports instructor and training manager Polestar Pilates Switzerland

https://www.spirit-studio.ch