Once you've decided to incorporate Pilates into your travel therapy book of techniques, you will want to brush up on basic skills and information. This exercise routine can be a great option for rehabilitation in a number of different ways. Top on the list of pros is promotion of body awareness. In order to provide patients with the best treatment possible, there are some things about the exercise program you should know.
Benefits of Pilates
Pilates can provide patients you are working with on travel PT assignments with therapeutic movements that help to boost their strength and flexibility. It's great because this exercise routine works with different skill, strength and ability levels, as well as with most limitations and impairments. To ensure that you are properly instructing body movements with those you are helping through rehabilitation, you may want to consider taking a training program. However, if you've spent time in Pilates classes yourself, you may already possess the necessary knowledge for success.
Many of those you work with in rehab will have limited range of motion to the affected area, so you will want to help them improve muscle length and performance through your programs. Pilates is a great asset for doing so, and you can modify the different exercises to suit a patient's individual needs. You may even want to suggest that some patients continue with group classes after their physical therapy sessions expire. This is a great way to promote fitness and wellness in the long term, and is an excellent option for those who have suffered orthopedic or sports injuries.
Pilates for the spine
A key point of a Pilates routine is to promote back health, which can lead to overall comfort and pain reduction. If you are working with an individual who has suffered a back injury or surgery to their spine, you might want to incorporate this exercise routine for him or her. The simple movements will help to build strength, while also improving flexibility and suppleness from the hips to the shoulder girdles. Teaching a patient how to avoid putting unnecessary stress and strain on his or her back can prove benefits that long outlast your therapy sessions.
It is important to avoid any exercises that will cause too much tension on the spine. This can include anything that involves twisting or bending of the back. Keep the lines of communication open with your patients so that they can inform you of any discomfort or limitations they have experienced. As is the case with any exercise routine, patients should listen to their bodies when performing Pilates. This can help to prevent additional injuries and unnecessary pain. Continued use of Pilates over time may even help your patients to avoid future back problems.
By introducing patients to Pilates – which has been an active exercise regime in the U.S. since 1926 – on travel physical therapy jobs, you will have success in promoting overall body control through strengthening their cores. Before getting started on rehab plans, talk to each individual about their interest in these workouts.