MAPS | Medical Pain Clinics

Pilates exercise is an effective therapy for injury patients and will address the body as a whole during rehabilitation. Pilates will strengthen core musculature and promote new neuromuscular patterns, focusing on posture, breathing and movement. Since exercises are performed in a non-weight bearing position, it allows the neck and low back to decompress while addressing range of motion and weakness issues in both the upper and lower extremities. Pilates addresses a specific injury site while rehabilitating the entire body during the process.

MAPS Pilates Program
The Pilates Program at MAPS is administered by Pilates trained physical therapists who have extensive experience with Pilates rehabilitation for varying diagnoses. These physical therapists have effectively used Pilates exercises for rehabilitation of injuries as well as development of sports specific technique and protocols. Their knowledge and experience as physical therapists have ensured many patients the safety and confidence required in developing a Pilates program for the clinic and at home.

The Pilates Program is implemented with both Pilates reformer, Pilates mat and ball exercises individually designed for each patient. The program also includes MedX stretching and MedX strengthening equipment to further improve core development, challenge strength of back extensors and objectively monitor improvement of pelvic girdle flexibility and back extensor strength. MedX is able to focus on the deep layers of muscles of the lumbar spine (multifidus, rotators, intertransversarii, interspinals) and improve their function during normal lumbar range of motion while restricting compensatory muscles; ie. hamstrings and gluteals. MedX is able to address patient's primary weak areas of the lumbar paraspinals and re-establish the neuromuscular connections before introducing more advanced stabilization techniques.

Program duration

• Program is 10 to 12 weeks in length
• Total program visits 13, total visits may increase depending on patient diagnosis and post surgery
• Program attendance will be 1 to 2 x weekly (preferably 2)

Who is Appropriate for the Program

• Patients with Spinal Pain
• Knee diagnosis pre/post surgery
• Women's health issues
• Sports medicine diagnosis
• Shoulder/scapular issues
• General orthopedic injuries
• Fibromyalgia Osteoporosis

How Outcomes are Measured
Outcomes are measured using the Neck Disability Index, the Oswestry Questionnaire, MedX stretch results and the MedX strength testing.

Overall, the MAPS Pilates Program in conjunction with the MedX stretching and strengthening exercise program is an excellent rehabilitative program for all patients in restoring a specific injury site to normal and further rehabilitating the entire body during the process for full function.

Back to Physical Therapy