Published by Stephen Dunn, MPT, COMT
Co-Owner, CORE Therapy & Pilates

The use of Pilates equipment has been a common practice among dance instructors and dancers for decades. However, it is only recently that the practice of Pilates, as a core strengthening method, found its way into health clubs and rehabilitation facilities. Today, Pilates and the Pilates Method are common practice for many fitness trainers and physical therapy practitioners, who pride themselves on their ability to help clients and patients achieve core strength, or what has long been referred to as back stabilization.

The purpose of this article is to describe a practitioner-developed, Pilates-based, Four-step Core Co-contraction Technique-a four-step core stabilization method that can be easily learned without the use of specialized Pilates equipment.

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By Barbara Wintroub

Physical Therapists should not underestimate the differences between movements for fitness and therapy

The use of Pilates as a rehabilitative method for physical therapists is growing rapidly. One of the main reasons is because it has brought PTs back to looking at the whole body instead of a specific area in order to stabilize an injury.

In many cases, a shoulder issue, for example, could be attributed to incorrect positioning, or it could be due to a weak scapula or tight pectorals. It is not always just the shoulder itself; body misalignment can also be a contributing factor.

In the past, physical therapists often concentrated first on getting rid of inflammation and then strengthening the affected area. But through the Pilates method of proper alignment, core strength and focused breathing, they can now center on the way a client's joints are structured. And they find, much of the time, it is incorrect alignment of the joints that causes some muscles to over-fire or under-fire, causing the injury.

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By Chet
Tallahassee, Florida, June 23, 2008

A recent study published in the British Medical Journal reports that spinal surgery for patients with sciatica offers a short term benefit, but by 6 months that benefit disappears and no difference is seen between patients who had surgery and those receiving physical therapy. The study suggests that the benefits of surgery are only short-term and conservative treatments such as physical therapy may offer the same outcome.

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Products for Home Use:

TensErgo A new product company offering self myofascial release products. The t:Stick is the first available product with more to come.

OPTP Tools for Fitness: Knowledge for Health
Physical Therapy products, Foam Rollers, Swiss Exercise Balls, Balance Boards, Thera-band, Physical Therapy Books. Click on following links to go directly to the product page:

• Green Stretch Out Strap
• Seating Wedge
• Blue Stretching Strap (Choose Cervical or Lumbar)
• Green TheraCane
• Maternal SI Loc 
• The Stick
• Foot Rubz: Self massage ball for the feet or hands
• Yamuna Body Rolling: Self release balls and Half Balls for the feet.

LINKS

• American Academy of Orthopaedic Manual Physical Therapist: The American Academy of Orthopaedic Manual Physical Therapists serves its members by promoting excellence in orthopaedic manual physical therapy practice, education and research, and collaborates with national and international associations.
• Myofascial Release: John F. Barnes, PT, LMT, NCTMB, an internationally recognized physical therapist, lecturer, author and the leading authority on myofascial release.
• The Feldenkrais® Method: The Feldenkrais® Method is for anyone who wants to reconnect with their natural abilities to move, think and feel. Whether you want to be more comfortable sitting at your computer, playing with your children and grandchildren, or performing a favorite pastime, these gentle lessons can improve your overall well being.
• Anatomy Trains: Anatomy Trains® maps the 'anatomy of connection' - the whole-body fascial and myofascial linkages. Anatomy Trains links the individual muscles into functional complexes, each with a specific anatomy and 'meaning'. Anatomy Trains leads to new holistic strategies for health professionals, movement teachers, and athletes to resolve complex postural and movement patterns
• Maitland-Australian Physiotherapy: Maitland Seminars embraces, actively promotes, and is a National leader in advocating and teaching clinical Evidence Based Practice. We teach assessment and treatment skills you can use Monday morning and with every patient you treat. The Maitland Approach is a World-Renowned, highly effective, gentle approach to the management of neuromuskuloskeletal conditions.