Introducing Prescribed Pilates

Joseph Pilates used his exercises, known as ‘Contrology’, to rehabilitate individuals after injury, working both with soldiers during WW1 and from his New York studio after 1926. The success Pilates teaching has in rehabilitation differentiates it from other forms of exercise and links it with Physiotherapy practice. Prescribed Pilates was developed by Katie Ballard, a Chartered Physiotherapist. It uses Pilates to increase postural awareness and to alter faulty patterns of movement by addressing muscle imbalances. Prescribed Pilates classifies its repertoire of exercises into four subgroups: Spinal Stability, Pelvic Stability, Scapular Stability and Mobility. Each of these areas needs to be perfected in order to achieve good, safe execution of Joseph Pilates’ original matwork exercises. Clinically, control in each of these areas leads to improved posture, inner strength, better balance and overall healthy movement, minimising stress to the joints during everyday activities.

Prescribed Pilates is a way of categorising the exercises so that you understand what they aim to achieve, you are aware of the focus points of each exercise and you are able to progress from the movements. It helps you to understand the Pilates exercises and method and importantly, make Pilates appropriate to your needs. Throughout this learning experience you will become more aware of your body and will start to understand why certain daily activities may be causing you pain, or how particular movements, either within sport or your daily life, may be improved through Pilates.

Prescribed Pilates will benefit everyone whether you are working at a beginner, intermediate or advanced level. The only difference will be your starting point and the level that you are hoping to achieve. An imbalance or weakness in any of these areas could lead to, or could be contributing to, any pain or injuries that you may have. Identifying these areas through Prescribed Pilates allows you to rehabilitate, exercise and move in the most effective way for you.