5 Benefits of Reformer Pilates for Injury Rehabilitation

What’s the best approach for injury rehabilitation? Physical therapy can help you recover faster and reduce your chances of sustaining another injury. But PT can be even more effective when combined with reformer Pilates.

A holistic approach to rehabilitation and pain management can offer better results in a shorter time frame. Additionally,  incorporating reformer Pilates into your recovery plan helps you develop a new healthy habit that can protect you from injury and pain in the future.

Here are five benefits of reformer Pilates that make it an ideal approach to injury recovery.

Reformer Pilates Benefit #1: Controlled, Low-Impact Movements

Reformer Pilates is all about intentional, controlled movement, which is ideal when you’re recovering from an injury. You don’t have to worry about high-impact exercises that could exacerbate your injury or cause pain. Instead, you can concentrate on precise movements that address targeted areas of the body effectively.

A reformer offers more resistance, variety, and range of motion than you can get from mat Pilates. These advantages make reformer Pilates ideal for injury recovery, as they give you more ways to address any uncomfortable, stiff, or delicate areas of the body in a gentle but effective way. 

Reformer Pilates Benefit #2: Holistic Pain Management 

You may experience chronic pain during rehabilitation from an injury, which can impact your mental health and overall quality of life. Reformer Pilates can address both of these issues effectively, making the recovery process more comfortable and successful.

Pilates incorporates intentional movement that can help address the underlying causes of pain. Building core strength, stretching, and practicing breathwork can all help alleviate physical pain immediately and long term. 

Additionally, the mindfulness aspect of Pilates can help counteract the negative mental health effects of chronic pain. Improving mindfulness can reduce stress and improve sleep, allowing the body to deploy more resources toward recovery and healing.

Reformer Pilates Benefit #3: Improved Posture

One of the most well-known benefits of Pilates is better posture. Pilates helps you properly align your spine and build the functional core strength you need to maintain that alignment throughout your daily life. Better posture can also reduce joint pain by allowing you to use optimal movement patterns. 

Improving your posture can hasten rehabilitation by addressing misalignments and compensations that cause discomfort over time. By bringing your body into proper alignment, you reduce unnecessary strain on injured areas and allow them to heal faster.

Reformer Pilates Benefit #4: Increased Flexibility

Discomfort and stiffness from an injury can make it difficult to maintain an active lifestyle. Without regular healthy movement, you may experience more chronic pain and a higher risk of additional injuries. 

Reformer Pilates can help you reintroduce essential movements back into your routine. Intentional exercises are designed to increase your range of motion and stretch tight muscles, improving your overall flexibility. Better mobility reduces your risk of further injuries and helps you move in optimal patterns, reducing strain on other areas of your body.

Reformer Pilates Benefit #5: Functional Strength

Although Pilates is a low-impact form of exercise, it can effectively build strength. Many Pilates exercises are designed to improve core strength, which supports better posture and helps alleviate back pain. 

But reformer Pilates can also help you build strength elsewhere, thanks to the resistance the machine offers. You can effectively strengthen all areas of your body without putting unnecessary strain on your injury. A strong body has a lower risk of injury, which is especially important as your recovery progresses and you incorporate more movement in your daily life

Our Expert Pilates Team Helps You Recover From Injury Faster

At Pilates in the Grove, we understand how physical therapy and reformer Pilates work together to support fast, effective injury rehabilitation. Our Pilates classes incorporate optimal movement patterns, breathing exercises, and core work, all of which help reduce pain and promote recovery. We also offer physical therapy services, and our experienced team can create a personalized rehabilitation plan that includes both.

If you’re recovering from an injury, whether it’s recent or chronic, contact our studio. Our expert staff can recommend a Pilates class for your goals and experience level or schedule a private assessment with one of our physical therapists. We’ll work with you to create a rehabilitation plan for fast progress and sustainable results. Book a Pilates class or schedule your PT assessment today!

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The Connection Between Mental Health & Physical Therapy