As we continue to grow our online presence, we recently have been receiving a lot more questions through emails and social platforms. We love hearing from our fans and are honored to provide insight on such a wide variety of topics across the PT and Pilates worlds. Below are some recent questions we have received.
“I have had MS for 20 plus years and have done quite well up until the last few months. I have started Pilates on the reformer at Performance Pilates in Atlanta but it seems I am doing something wrong and am curious what exercises you would suggest I do. My left leg has been the primary target all these years including weak hip flexors and foot drop. I want to be able to walk around to do my daily chores at least. Your guidance will mean a lot to me. Thanks.” -Nidhi
In the classical Pilates reformer repertoire there are no exercises that isolate the hip flexors and dorsiflexors. However, we have developed two exercises for anyone looking to strengthen the dorsiflexors and hip flexors. In the attached videos you will see Sarah and one of her clients demonstrate what we call the “Reverse Eve’s lunge” and “Rowing #7- A Dorsi Row.”
Keep in mind there are three types of MS: relapse remitting, secondary progressive, primary progressive. Some may have heard of progressive relapsing but the National Multiple Sclerosis Society eliminated this term in 2013 and grouped it under primary progressive. Someone with relapse remitting MS will have an acute worsening of neurological function with total or partial recovery and no apparent progression of the disease whereas primary and secondary progressive MS presents as a steadily worsening change in function. Each individual with MS will present differently, which is why it is important to consider an appointment with a local physical therapist when you feel you are experiencing a relapse or the disease is progressing. Although you will gain many benefits from a Pilates regimen, a PT will be able to provide additional treatments and equipment such as portable functional electric stimulation devices to help with foot drop.
“I’m a current PT student graduating this spring (hands up emoji). I’ve been following you guys for the last year or so and have really gotten interested in learning more about Pilates and eventually incorporating it into my practice as creatively and effectively as y’all do. I just have no idea where to start- what are your recommendations? How did you guys get started in this and any tips on how to make it affordable? Thank you!” -Jeanne
We actually became instant friends in PT school because we both were Pilates instructors a few years before the start of our program. Sarah began with free weekly classes as part of her dance major and the certification kind of fell into her lap when asked to help pioneer Drexel’s Pilates Teacher Training program. Blair started by observing her mother teaching and practicing Pilates as a teenager and a few years later began teaching exercises to patients on Pilates apparatus as a rehab technician, which ignited her interest in pursuing a comprehensive Pilates certification through Peak Pilates.
Our suggestion is to begin with programs that are classically based to have a clear understanding of what Pilates is and the concepts behind each movement before beginning to explore different variations. The original classical work is what is always cited in any evidence based literature on Pilates and is what is required if you hope to become PMA certified. The Pilates Method Alliance (PMA) is the governing body of the Pilates world that helps establish an international standard across certifications and continuing education, similar to the APTA and PT programs. PMA certifications and memberships are not required to teach, but you do want to find a program that would adequately prepare you for that test should you decide to take it. Most programs divide the certifications into various levels and apparatus. We suggest starting with the mat work since it is the easiest to begin applying to all patient populations and settings and also will provide a foundation of exercises that are repeated later on in equipment trainings. Some of our favorite training programs to consider are BASI, Polestar Pilates, Fletcher Pilates and obviously our alma maters Drexel and Peak Pilates.
In terms of making it affordable, check with your employer about having a portion of the cost covered since it will benefit their patients. You may want to offer an in service to fellow co-workers as an incentive to get your employer on board. Additionally, the APTA occasionally offers single courses based in Pilates and may accept larger trainings as continuing education credits for licensure, which also helps when looking for support from your company. At least this way it is an expense you should already plan on having to maintain your licensure and kind of hitting 2 birds with 1 stone. Also, some Pilates training programs (that we have listed above) offer program scholarships that will assist in the cost of tuition for the certification program. We would recommend checking out each training program’s website for full details on the program’s scholarship eligibility and requirements. Congratulations in advance in completing PT school and best of luck!
ASK PILATES PT
Having difficulty finding the right position during exercises? Don’t understand a recent medical diagnosis? Want to know how to target a problem area? You have questions, WE have answers! Don’t hesitate to email askpilatespt@gmail.com!
With Love, Scrubs, and Sidekicks,
