Allied Provider Services

Pilates and Gyrotonics

Memorial Prompt Care offers medically supervised and prescribed Pilates/Gyrotonics treatment programs. With medical indications, the physicians may be able to prescribe treatment with pre-authorization of insurance obtained by our staff.

What is Pilates?

The Pilates method of body conditioning is a unique system of stretching and strengthening exercises developed to tone muscles and improve strength while increasing flexibility at the same time. Pilates exercises can also improve posture, unite the mind and body, create a stream-lined shape, improve agility and encourage graceful movement.

Pilates is a low-impact program that minimizes strain on weight-bearing joints. It has proven to be extremely effective in rehabilitation of physical therapy patients. Patients with painful conditions such as arthritis, osteoporosis, fibromyalgia, as well as post-surgical clients can utilize the Pilates apparatus without a risk of injury. Exercises performed on the apparatus use adjustable resistance to match the level of skill of the client. Matwork exercises utilize the body’s own resistance and gravity and may incorporate small props as the skill level increases.

Unlike old exercise regimens that primarily focus on isolating muscles and working each body part individually, Pilates works on treating the body as an integrated whole. The entire body is active when performing the exercises.

While most exercise techniques focus on the superficial muscles of the body ie: “the Six Pack”, Pilates works the “Powerhouse” or “core” musculature, namely the deep abdominals, lower back, hips and buttocks. Pilates exercises help clients to become aware of, safely engage, and then challenge this “core” musculature.

Pilates encourages integration of both the mind and body. Pilates uses visual images to enhance the performance of the exercise and allows the client to “be present”. Joseph Pilates stated “It is the mind itself which builds the body”.

Additionally, Pilates utilizes breath to increase stability and control movements as well as rejuvenate muscles during the exercises. Pilates encourages quality over quantity. Precision and control are encouraged and repetitions are limited to increase muscular endurance without harming the body. Exercises do not focus on bulking up superficial muscles, which tends to limit a muscle’s ability to move freely. Strength combined with leanness is emphasized. Postural awareness and graceful movement is increased because elongation of the spine is encouraged during performance of all exercises.

Overall, Pilates is a gentle but invigorating workout. Most clients feel energized without feeling soreness days after a workout. All exercises are meant to be performed pain free and should be modified depending on the limitations of the client. Finding a certified and qualified instructor is imperative, since many of Pilates exercises can be potentially harmful and instructors should be skilled at uncovering the underlying health issues of clients to avoid injuries.

Gyrotonics

The Gyrotonic Expansion System equipment simultaneously strengthens as it stretches the body through unique exercises. It is low impact and “easy on the joints” which minimizes the risk of injury making it very popular with older clients. Exercises incorporate the entire body vs. isolating specific muscle groups. Additionally, Gyrotonics integrates breathing. Gyrotonics can be a gentle and relaxing workout or invigorating and aerobic. Trained therapists will customize patient programs based on skill levels and goals.

Gyrotonics is extremely effective in rehabilitating patients of all ages and abilities. Clients comment on the benefits from the relaxing rhythmic exercise programs. Athletes can benefit from the increase in endurance, coordination, flexibility and strength. As with Pilates, exercises should be supervised by a trained instructor to avoid injury.