Many osteopaths and chiropractors recommend Pilates exercise as an adjunct to their treatments.
The Pilates approach to exercise was revolutionary at the time when it first became widely known. However, decades later, the experience of the thousands of people who have benefited from this system worldwide provides an irrefutable testimony to the effectiveness of the exercises. Many of Pilates' ideas have now been adopted by other fitness trainers and also into mainstream physical therapy. Physicians often recommend Pilates exercise as part of a rehabilitation program following injury. With the agreement of your doctor, you can safely incorporate Pilates practice alongside most medical treatments. It is also widely recommended by osteopaths.
Similar therapies
Pilates has much in common with the Alexander Technique and the Feldenkrais Method. The founders of these systems, Frederick Alexander (1 869-1955) and Moshe Feldenkrais (1904-1984), were contemporaries of Joseph Pilates. Whether or not these bodywork pioneers knew each other personally, they drew on similar sources of inspiration. With their common emphasis on balanced body use, these exercise systems can be used together.
Body-mind therapies
Pilates was one of the first body-mind therapies to originate in the West. However, Eastern cultures have ancient traditions that recognize and build on the interaction between body and mind. Those who have practiced forms of exercise such as yoga may find it easier to achieve the focus required than those who have never done so. Moreover, the emphasis on stretching is also common to both practices. Yet it is important to be aware of some basic differences between these systems, notably the breathing techniques recommended. Such differences can sometimes lead to conflict if both forms of exercise are used alongside each other.
Pilates Lifestyle
Joseph Pilates had his own views on the wide aspects of health and fitness, and made recommendations on such diverse topics as diet, bodily cleanliness, and the benefits of exposure to sunshine. Many of his ideas have stood the test of time. Modern advocates of Pilates exercise do not necessarily follow all of his original recommendations. You do not have to adopt a rigid lifestyle in order to benefit from the Pilates exercise system.
