Pilates
Pilates was founded by Joseph Pilates in 1929, and was originally referred to as "contrology," meaning "the study of control." Jospeh Pilates once said that Pilates "begins with mind control over muscles."
The 6 principles of Pilates:
Breath
Centering
Flow
Concentration
Control
Precision
These principles are are married in practice to leave you feeling longer, stronger, and rejuvenated. Whether you are just getting started on your health journey, or you're a seasoned athlete looking to improve your performance, Pilates is able to be adapted to the needs of the individual. Pilates can be taught on a mat without any equipment, or through the use of apparatuses such as the Reformer or Wunda Chair.
Click here to schedule.
Joseph Pilates age 52 and age 82
FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS
Do I have to have been pregnant or had a baby to benefit from pelvic floor physical therapy?
Nope! Many women that have never been pregnant or experienced childbirth can benefit from pelvic floor therapy. Pelvic floor PT can help with things like hip and back pain, menstrual care, painful periods, difficulty with inserting a tampon or inability to tolerate a gynecological exam, painful sex, and constipation, to name a few.
Is it okay if my baby is with me during the session?
Absolutely! In fact, it is encouraged (if you want)! As a new mom, one of the biggest challenges I recognize women face is the planning surrounding appointments, and life in general. Everything requires a plan, and sometimes, childcare is impossible to find. Mobile PT takes away this barrier and allows mamas to get the care they need! Plus, this is a wonderful opportunity to integrate exercises and self-care into activities you are already doing with your baby!
I did not have a vaginal delivery. I delivered my baby via cesarean delivery. Can pelvic floor physical therapy help me?
Yes! Whether you have had your baby via vaginal delivery or cesarean delivery, there is no getting around the fact that the pelvic floor is involved (pregnancy alone can cause significant changes to the pelvic floor's function). Recovery might look a little different for each, just as recovery is a little different for every delivery and individual. A skilled pelvic floor physical therapist can assist with scar tissue adhesions and mobility, core rehabilitation, pain management, postural alignment and more.
I don't have a home gym, or access to a gym. I need any tools or equipment?
Nope! One of the benefits of mobile PT is our ability to use what you already have at your house! I love getting creative with patients. Do we need weights? A wiggly baby makes for a good challenge! Need a stretch strap? A dog leash can do the trick. There are some cases where you would benefit from purchase of certain tools that cannot be replicated, such a pelvic wand. In this case, we have a discussion about the pros/cons of purchasing. It is always your decision to buy a piece of equipment or not!
I've heard pelvic floor PT involves a vaginal exam. Is this required?
Definitely not. A vaginal exam can provide more detailed information about the function of your pelvic floor muscles, the same way a PT would want to assess the muscles of your shoulder if you had a shoulder complaint. That being said, it is absolutely not a requirement to receive care. You are always in control of the appointment, and are encouraged to opt out of any intervention you are not comfortable with!
How soon postpartum can I start?
There is no real limit to when you are "allowed" to be treated. There are plenty of benefits to initiating treatment sooner, rather than later. Caring for a new baby is incredibly demanding (both physically and emotionally)! Benefits of being seen earlier include addressing things like tissue mobility and healing, pain and postural changes with breast or bottle feeding, tailbone and low back pain, and more. Beyond the physical, seeing a pelvic floor PT postpartum also gives both new and seasoned moms the opportunity to discuss their birth story (if they would like), self-care, and establish a program that works best for their new life! No internal work will be done until you have had follow-up and clearance from your physician, and you are comfortable with it.
Don't see your question? Click here to contact Alex or get started!