One of the main components of chiropractic care is to provide home rehabilitation exercises so that patients can continue to improve between their visits to Dr. Nathen Horst. However, some patients, particularly those who are used to leading a more active lifestyle, often want more than rehabilitation exercises.

However, jumping right back into their regular exercise routine may cause re-injury, delay the amount of time it takes to fully recover from the initial injury, lead to a new injury, or turn an acute injury into something chronic.

For these patients, Dr. Horst recommends Pilates. What exactly is this system, what does it do, and how might it be a good fit with chiropractic care for more active patients?

What Is Pilates?

The Pilates system was named after German physical trainer Joseph Pilates, who initially developed it to help wounded WWI soldiers rehabilitate and regain their physical fitness.

The system is based on resistance, stretching, and targeting specific areas of the body for strengthening. There is an entire system of specialized elastic resistance bands and machines that are used, as well as floor exercises.

How Does Pilates Work?

Pilates works from the precepts of building core strength and what is known as neutral spine alignment, meaning that the spine must be kept in a neutral position. Both of these concepts should sound familiar to anyone who has undergone any chiropractic treatments.

Pilates also includes mindful-breathing techniques, similar to yoga, that are specifically designed to help you focus on the position of your spine, other joints, and overall muscle movements.

By working to maintain a neutral spine and strong core throughout the various exercises, Pilates helps build a spine that is supple with a flexible core to support it. It specifically works to strengthen the muscles of the abdomen, back, and pelvic floor.

The latter muscle group is particularly important for women, particularly if they want to strengthen their core as part of their efforts to get back into shape after pregnancy.

Research on the Benefits of Combining Chiropractic Care and Pilates

A recent article in a leading chiropractic journal discussed a case study of a 39 year old woman with scoliosis who had undergone a spinal fusion surgical procedure a number of years previously, yet still suffered from progressively worsening lower back pain that was interfering with her abilities to carry equipment for her job as a photographer or hold her young child.

Her chiropractor provided her with some Pilates exercises to help strengthen her muscles. Over time, her core stabilized so that she was able to increase her physical activity. The researchers reported that she is now no longer physically limited, although she still does have some symptoms of scoliosis. They concluded that Pilates can be helpful for patients with low back pain and an unstable body core.

Dr. Horst believes that it is important for his patients to not just come in when their back pain becomes acute, but that instead, they should view chiropractic care as a type of preventive medicine to stop the risk of re-injury. Adding in Pilates exercises for patients to do at home will further ensure the wellness of patients over the long run.