INDUSTRY INSIGHT
THE POWER OF PILATES
SPONSORED CONTENT
T
here is no doubt that aging bodies will need
maintenance and a specific exercise program to remain
active and healthy. Even those who have exercised
regularly will need to adapt their exercise programs to
counteract the effects of aging on posture, strength, flexibility
and balance. If one wants to continue a specific sport like
golf, tennis, or skiing, exercise goals should now surround
the weaknesses due to aging that may increase the risk of
injury. Let’s face it, we just have to work harder to maintain our
functional fitness. The good news is that with the right guidance,
the task is not overwhelming and it is never too late to start.
Many think of aging bodies as at least 50 years old, but
the time to get a handle on aging muscles starts at age 30.
Beginning at 30 years old the average adult will lose 10 percent
of their strength every decade. This loss can be significantly
decreased with regular strengthening activities that will also
preserve bone density, maintain balance and coordination, and
retain mobility. We are living longer, and if people want to have a
mobile and healthy old age they need to train for it.
The need for maintenance becomes even greater when
a person has a chronic condition such as spinal stenosis,
degenerative disc disease or osteoarthritis. After initial
physical therapy is over, it is important that the gap between
rehabilitation and traditional fitness is filled with a program
designed to essentially “do no harm.” Many will stop working on
their weaknesses when physical therapy ends; when actually this
is the best time to step into a regular workout routine. Injuries
and illnesses not only create weakness and disability, they often
create fear of movement, called “kinesiophobia.” For example,
someone who has had a back injury may avoid activities of lifting
or bending, fearing that they will re-injure their back. This can
cause weakness and stiffness to persist, and the overall lack of
movement becomes a slippery slope to less functional ability. It
is important that functional movement is resumed without fear,
and that there is education on the type of exercise that benefits
the person without exacerbating chronic conditions. Exercise
programs can be adapted and gradually progressed by the right
professional to allow anyone at any fitness level to begin the
journey to healthy movement.
Of course it is best to get started before you encounter a
chronic condition or injury, but it is also never too late to get
started. In either of these situations, the best place to be is in
a post-rehabilitation or population-specific exercise program.
These programs are designed by physical therapists and exercise
specialists, and are performed one-on-one or in small groups,
and are becoming more and more popular and easy to find.
The American College of Sports Medicine Fitness Trends for
2019 has this type of exercise in the top 20, so there is a high
demand. Physical therapy and exercise specialist professionals
can not only recommend the proper exercise activity, but they
can provide education and guidance on the incidence of pain
or problems. The post-rehabilitation environment rebuilds
confidence for exercise and offers support to modify movements
as necessary. Before long, many of the clients are re-joining
regular exercise programs and activities on their own with a new
understanding of healthy movement.
This Industry Insight was written by Christine Romani-
Ruby, PT, DEd, MPT, ATC, PMA®CPT.
An internationally renowned physical therapist with
27 years of experience in clinical practice, Dr. Ruby has
successfully integrated physical therapy and Pilates to
create innovative post-rehabilitation and wellness programs
for conditions such as back pain and sport-specific
programs for professional athletes. Founder of PHI Pilates
in Pittsburgh, she guides clients in the study of their own
movement to improve posture and reduce pain and risk
of injury. Dr. Ruby is regularly sought after to speak at
national and international conferences and works daily in her clinic with clients including
NFL athletes, ballerinas, and clients recovering from injuries or illness. Her YUR® BACK
program is designed to safely progress clients with back pain from physical therapy to
whole-body fitness programs, so that they can get back to a healthy lifestyle.
BETHEL PARK
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SPRING 2019
23