Rapid Rehab LA Pilates Based Physical Therapy Brentwood California

With striking similarities to Yoga and Pilates, Gyrotonic exercise may just be the next big thing to enter into the world of alternative exercise methods. When Romanian born, Juliu Horvath devised the first Gyrotonic Handle Unit, it was designed to increase inner strength and engage the mind.

Horvath was a ballet dancer, not unlike the early students of Joe Pilates, when he discovered the need for an exercise program that would strengthen, lengthen, and stretch. His desire for an alternative exercise stemmed from his own dance injuries. The rest of his method took a few years of exploration spanning throughout the 1980’s.

The principles of movement behind his design are said to be like the patterns of exertion found in swimming, gymnastics, and dance. The fluidity of the body, and the safety net of natural progression while utilizing the body’s energy evolution, yields an invigorating workout. The Gyrotonic methodology increases mobility through slow and controlled movements and releases tension from the joints.

Like a reformer machine in a Pilates studio, any piece of Gyrotonic equipment is primarily hinged upon pulleys bound by light resistance. This enables deep muscle integration, and causes the body to heavily rely on its own core strength to develop muscle. While the tower itself, the equipment used in Gyrontics, does hold the body-weight of its trainee that doesn’t mean that a deep internal furnace isn’t used.

The muscles we use in posture, balance, and stability are hardly ever relied upon, since we tend to use our muscles as the main source of energy and strength; Gyrontonics changes that.

Perhaps the best way to describe the feeling that one has when engaging in Gyrontincs would be to explain the flow of the movements performed. Like a gliding beneath water, the body becomes fluid and nubile. The movements tend to be spirals integrated with deep concentrated breath using the pulley system and mind control. Harmony within the body is the ultimate goal.

Some have said that to perform Gyrotonics, feels like performing in a dance with the freedom of no one watching. This not only increases flexibility and deep internal strength, but it also develops a strong sense of self and personal confidence that isn’t found in the traditional intimidation of a corporate gym environment. For those that enjoy the gentility of Pialtes and Yoga, Gyrotonics is another natural progression and challenge in the world of mind-body connection methodologies.

Not only does Gyrontics have excellent health increasing elements, or mind-body harmony components, it also can act as a rehabilitation practice. Gyrontics does not limit it’s participants to just injured ballet dancers but has grown in popularity among athletes, actors, office workers, and particularly anyone needed to vastly improve whatever injury ails them.

Those that will especially benefit from a Gyrontics program include those with back or neck injuries. The fluid movements and light resistance training free the spine and increase mobilization. This allows for the natural space and strength found in the line of our spine to be awakened and released.

By far, one of the biggest concerns for a new Pilates client looking for a new studio is certification. Since there is not a standardized system in place that acts as the gold standard in Pilates certification it can be a little nerve-wracking trying to decide if the trainers in a studio are qualified.

The PMA (Pilates Method Alliance) has a program that has developed an accredited source of certification. In the Pilates Method Alliance Certification handbook it states that, “The PMA’s mission is to protect the public by establishing certification and continuing education standards for Pilates professionals.”

For any studio or trainer to achieve a PMA certification the following would have to be completed: A passing grade for a 150 multiple choice exam that was compiled through Castle Worldwide, which is the leading certification and licensure company in addition to 450+ hours of self-study, lectures, assistant teaching hours, or apprenticeship. To find a PMA certified trainer in your area visit www.pmapilatescertified.com.

Since the certification process is still in the beginning stages of integration, there are some studios that operate under the apprenticeship or assistant teaching hours method of “certification”. Joseph Pilates himself used this method of teaching, and some of his students were the best Pilates instructors you could find. The bottom line is conformability. Depending on what your comfort level is with using a an instructor who has had more in-studio experience as opposed to an accumulative certification process, you decide what you need to feel at ease in a studio environment.

Aside from the wanting to improve your core strength and the appearance of your physique, there are many clients that pursue Pilates for rehabilitation purposes or for pre-natal care. When it comes to the rehabilitative process, be sure that you choose a studio that has trainer specifically trained to improve your condition. Pilates can be modified to fit any need, so the injury needs to fit the regime, make sure that your trainer has a background in rehabilitating injuries.

For those clients that have pre-natal needs, the same rule applies. Make sure the studio you choose has a trainer that specializes in pre-natal Pilates. While Pilates is an excellent addition to any physical routine, it is not a “blanket” exercise. Pilates for pregnant women will differ significantly from a regular reformer or mat class, so be sure that you find a trainer to meet those needs of a mom-to-be.

The environment, class variety, certification and experience of the trainers are the main factors to be searching or when picking a studio. Take your time, do the research, and hopefully a life long relationship will develop.

When it comes to buying a house, a car or anything that involves a major investment, there a quite a few boxes that need to be checked before the ink is dry. Out of necessity and in hopes to make a balanced and well thought out decision, a list is compiled of needs and concerns before diving head first into such a purchase. The same goes for choosing a Pilates studio, even though it may not seem as important, it is a major investment in the bank of our personal health. And it needs to be decided upon with great care.

The first step is to decide what type of environment you will need to make Pilates most efficient for you. Some people need light, space and vibe to jumpstart their mind-body connection. Other people don’t necessarily care about aesthetically pleasing environments, but are particular about which type of equipment they prefer to use, or are more comfortable choosing a studio with a certain level of certification or renown within a community.

When choosing a studio, it is best to try a few different ones in your area. Most search engines and phone books can give you a start in the right direction. From there it will be a process of elimination to determine which studio best fits your needs.

Cleanliness should be of concern when searching for a studio. After a class you should be directed to clean off the equipment or mats with disinfectant and a cloth. This is basic protocol for any exercise environment. Needing to know a studio’s janitorial routine is the client’s prerogative, and if that is a factor in determining your interest in a studio, just ask.

As beings connected to our environments, it is highly recommended that you find a place which allows you to focus, clear your mind, and engage in Pilates. Some gym environments offering Pilates do a great job of making the Pilates studio its own entity. However there are others that make it rather difficult to focus on proper breathing, which takes a lot of mind control.

Gyms tend to have loud music from other classes, aerobic rooms, and televisions overflowing into other areas of the gym. These distractions if sensed or heard in the Pilates studio can affect the mind and cheat you out of a great Pilates workout.

This is why some people choose to use privately owned studios. Not only will there be less distractions but usually the class sizes will be smaller and they will offer one-on one training to help you progress in your training. When looking for a privately owned studio, be sure that they are well equipped to offer you a variety of exercise options and classes.

Variety is the spice of life, and it isn’t any different in Pilates. The body adapts to exercise over time, which can counter productively affect all of the results you used to get from previous Pilates routines. A studio should offer a choice of private reformer classes as well as small group classes.

In addition to the types of classes offered, each class should range in difficulty from beginner to intermediate to advance. When one is transitioning from one level to another, it is highly recommended that you have an on-on-one Pilates training class in the interim. When segueing into more intense levels of difficulty a little extra instruction will help make the change seamless and safe.

Mat based Pilates focuses on proper body alignment, flexibility, joint mobilization and breathing patterns without the addition of external resistance. The body is the only resistant force that a student will use in a mat Pilates class. Learning to support the body against gravity is emphasized.

Changing the body position, lowering tension within the body, heightening body awareness and gaining complete control of the mind and body will be the main concerns of what mat Pilates participants are trying to achieve.

When Pilates is done on a machine another level of challenge is added to a routine since it does use resistance outside of the body’s own. With each stage of experience more external resistance is added to the workout. This series of equipment has a series of pulleys that each has a way of communicating feedback to the instructor and to the participant. Through this two-way line of body and mind communication the participant will be quickly alerted if they are practicing the postures correctly.

Total body stability is enhanced when on the machines, since there is a point of connection with the machine, which allows a base of support for the movements. Muscular imbalances can be corrected through certain machine work, since the machine allows for a wider variety of exercises is very adaptive and appropriate for all types of clients.

The equipment in each class differs as well. Props are often used in mat Pilates classes such as: foam rollers, stability balls, flex-bands, and weighted bands and balls add challenge to the positions and to the tension.

When these new elements are added to the mat Pilates routine an even higher level of awareness will be achieved because the balance within the body will be further challenged. Mat work is just a segment of the entire Pilates regime, but it does a great deal to improve posture, strengthen the core, and clears the mind allowing for a better concentration and focus.

For machine Pilates there are a few standard pieces of equipment that you will find. The Reformer and The Cadillac are the mist highly evolved pieces of equipment and can offer a student any range of challenge or ease they prefer. Resistance bands are also used in Pilates machine classes as well as barrels and ladders.

The most cognitive difference that is found between mat Pilates and machine Pilates is that external resistance is added with machine Pilates and mat based Pilates hinges itself on the management of body resistance only. Machine Pilates does offer a wider range of options for the student, and has a high degree of transcendence for   participant, but mat Pilates offers an inviting environment and is easily learned.

Both mat Pilates and machine Pilates will encourage a mind-body connection, whole-body, wellness, and deep stretching and breathing. Each can be integrated with the other, and it is recommended that you do change up your routine very now and then. Adding diversity to your Pilates regime will benefit the body and mind, and also keep the body guessing which will create that physique that only Pilates, mat or machine, can develop.

Pilates done on a mat is great full-body workout, and is an excellent place for Pilates beginners to start. It is fun, and relatively inexpensive, and very popular among Pilates studios. Through a series of positions, poses and movements an instructor will guide you through a balanced, full body workout. It’s a socially inclusive practice, since some of the classes will be anywhere from 10-15 people.

This number, while it may seem like more than private, is a relatively small base of clients. This size of a class is easily manageable to a qualified trainer. A qualified mat Pilates instructor is essential to a beneficial mat Pilates workout, since they will be sure that you are using the proper posture, alignment, and engaging your core.

Mat Pilates is considered to be a “cross-conditioning” system, which focus solely on your own body as resistance. It tones and shapes the hips, back, chest, shoulder, calves, arms, and abdominals. Precise strengthening will be focused on the abdomen, since it houses the core muscles, and is the main ingredient to effective and healthy movement throughout the body.

The trainer will instruct you to stand, sit, and lie down. From all of these static body positions there will be extremity work done which will all stem from the engagement of the core.

Mat Pilates is known for streamlining the physique, and lengthening the muscles. It is a great addition to any cardio, strength training or athletic regime and is gentle on the body. People who generally use the traditional gym method of “working out” fear bulking up, and Mat Pilates offers an alternative method of exercise which implements a “leaning out” of a person’s muscle build, while still adding strength and focus.

The mat Pilates trainer will typically talk each student through the movements, and recommend visualizations that will emphasize deep and intuitive breathing patterns. With this “coach” helping you through a mat Pilates class you will be better equipped to benefit from the practice. While Pilates DVD’s and exercise programs on television can benefit the body, it’s ideal that you have someone overseeing you.

Without a highly qualified mat Pilates instructor helping you to get the most out of your workout, you may be missing vital postural positioning, which can lead to improper spinal alignment tin the future or even injury. The encouragement that you will receive from the qualified trainer will also push you to do more, feel more, and focus better at the task at hand.

For those tat like a more private approach to working out, there is the option of a one-on-one class. Especially for beginners who have never taken a mat Pilates class, it is essential to understand the techniques behind the practice. Pilates, while it is an excellent source for strengthening, it also involves a lot of different layers, or mental connection, body connection, and breathing.

These layers take some getting sued to, since our minds are not trained to slow down and be quiet, since some of us associate exercise with high intensity and loud music.

A personal one-on-one session or two would allow for a new student to build a foundation of understanding of the Pilates method in a mat based environment.

For initial relief from a knee injury the best approach is what physical therapists and physicians refer to as R.I.C.E. This stands for rest, ice, compression, and elevation. Inflammation will be the first symptom of the injury that will need to be treated. Rest is also a bid factor in knee injury recovery.

Depending on the severity of the injury sometimes crutches may be needed, but trying to use the knee a lot less, especially in rigorous activity, will be of great importance in the healing process.

Physical therapy is also a great pairing in the recovery process with R.I.C.E. Having programs designed to improve the condition, with the focus being on active recovery, greatly benefits those will knee injuries in the long run. When the knee is prompted to engage in safe yet effective exercises it will be able to acclimate to normal activity much faster and with more ease than just rest alone can give. The goal of physical therapy is to reintroduce a person to their previous active lifestyle, without the injury continuing to get worse, or never fully healing.

Pillates-based rehab has also had much success as an added step in the process of healing knee injuries. Because of its gentle approach to healing, Pilates-based rehab allows for the entire body to be active while a patient may still be in recovery.

Muscular imbalances are one of the leading causes of knee injuries, and Pilates aims to retrain the body’s functionality to work as one cohesive unit. This provides an avenue for not only the injury to improve but also drastic improvements will be made in postural habits, quality of movement, mind-body connection, and core strength.

When it comes to specific conditions like Chrondomalcia, physical therapy and Pilates act as viable treatment options as well.

Physicians will often recommend low impact activity, such a cycling, swimming, walking, and Pilates and yoga. Surgery is of course an option, but if a holistic approach is preferred, since may patients wish to forego the invasiveness of a procedure these low-impact exercises will help improve the condition without surgery.

For torn ligaments such as the ACL, PCL, and LCL it is important to strengthen the muscles surrounding the injury. Since rigorous or weight bearing activity is strictly discouraged, it can be somewhat challenging to improve strength surrounding the injury without furthering the damage in the area of concern.

With the exercises and modalities that physical therapy and Pilates based rehab offer, a client can heal the injury and increase the overall health of their body at the same time. While the exercises, poses, and movements in Pilates and physical therapy are challenging to the body and build strength, they avoid the risk that more conventional forms of exercise and training may impose.

There are many causes of knee injuries, but proper alignment, heightened body awareness and core strengthening when balanced with low impact cardio, will result in a lower chance of a knee injury in an individual.

Most people can remember a time when they have had minor knee issues. Since your knees bear the brunt of everyday activities, and are easily twisted and “tweaked”, it isn’t any wonder that knee injuries can affect all demographics of people. From the weekend gardener to the professional athlete, any one who uses their knees in daily activity is at risk for developing a knee injury.

The most common cause of a knee injury is sports related. Any recreational activity that involves kicking, stopping, twisting, or turning heightens the chances of a strain. However, arthritis of the knees, Osteoporosis, the natural aging process, and poor health habits are also big factors in a knee injury cause. The knee is the largest joint in the body.

Since it is so, there is a cushion of cartilage surrounding the knee, which absorbs shock from impact from sudden changes of movement or weight bearing exercises. With the knee being the biggest joint in the body there is more cartilage surrounding the joint, and therefore creates a higher potential for tearing in some cases.

In addition to more cartilage, tendons as well as muscles surround the knee. Where the upper leg and the lower leg meet, the knee acts as the hinge between the two bones. The femur is the upper leg bone, and the tibia and fibula are the lower leg bones.

Ligament issues rank among the top types of knee injuries and happen quite often. When an athlete does stop short, or change the body’s direction quickly, sometimes the force of motion can cause for torn ligaments within the knee.

There are a few ligaments in the knee that can be affected by this type of injury. Familiar terms for what type of ligament is most often injured in this instance are the anterior cruciate ligament (which is commonly known as the ACL), the medial collateral posterior cruciate ligaments (PCL), and the lateral collateral ligament (LCL).

Another condition called Chondromalacia is a great threat to knee health. Underneath the kneecap, a deterioration of the cartilage occurs which leads to a softening of the knee joint. This can develop from blunt trauma to the knee, muscular imbalances, overuse, or improper alignment of the kneecap. When “friction” is found in and around the kneecap, pain begins to become a part of the everyday routine.

With this condition, walking down stairs, hills, or bending the knee will always be followed by a dull pain. The uncomfortable sensation of “rubbing” that takes place under the kneecap will worsen as you age, as well as if you are trying to maintain the same level of activity previous to an injury.

An inflammation of the tendons can occur from overuse, this is technically called tendonitis. This cause of knee injuries will be accompanied by tenderness in the knee, right where the cap (patella) meets the bone of the leg. This is also called “Jumpers Knee” and sometimes happens from quick or sudden impact, movements, or just general fatigue. On the heels of tendonitis, if a tingling or burning sensation runs itself along the inside of the knee, it may be Iliotibial Band Syndrome, which is another type of knee injury.

Degenerative disc disease sounds a lot more threatening than it actually is. The word degenerative holds a stigma of health digression over time, making it seem like this particular condition will worsen with age.

When in the context of degenerative disc disease, the operative words “degenerative disc” is the explanation within itself. The degenerating discs within the spinal column that are affected by this condition, will progressively worsen however the symptoms (pain, immobilization, soreness) will most likely improve over time if properly addressed.

The causes of degenerative disc disease do have close ties to the natural aging process of our bodies. The discs that make up the spine are soft and easily compressible. The purpose of these discs within the vertebrae is to absorb shock. They are also the primary movers of the back, which allow it for its flexibility, bending capabilities and twisting proficiency.

What cannot be avoided is that as we age, fluid will be lost within the spine. Although no part of the spine is safe from degenerative disc disease, it is more common in the lower part of the back where it tends to be more prone to compression.

There are certain conditions within the body that happen before degenerative disc disease is developed. When the cartilage breaks down between the discs in the back a condition called Osteoarthritis occurs. The cartilage acts as protection to the spine, and when this “cushion’ of cartilage is compromised pain results and the spine is more vulnerable to disease. Herniated discs as well as Spinal stenosis (“the narrowing of the spinal canal”) are also common culprits in the development of degenerative disk disease.

Symptoms of degenerative disc disease may reveal themselves as acute pains in the neck or back. But this is widely dependent on each person, since some people who suffer from the condition cite no pain at all. No matter how severe the damage it seems that each person’s body reacts differently. The pain is also more prevalent when someone is in a moving pattern, such as: sitting, standing, bending, reaching, and squatting.

It is recommended that when trying to treat degenerative disc disease ice or heat modalities have proven to be quite effective. Pilates based rehab is also an option for those seeking a gentle remedy to a potentially extremely painful condition. Since Pilates focuses on strengthening the core, it can take some of the pressure of the back by reeducating a client on postural patterns.

Once the back can be alleviated of some of the responsibility it carries, and the abdomen (when the core muscles are properly engaged), the compression and fatigue within the back can being to lift and can improve degenerative disc symptoms.

Some hydrotherapy, massage, and physical therapy can also be beneficial to a person suffering this condition, however treatment is widely dependent upon how sever the condition is. Once the aforementioned conditions are involved, Osteoarthritis, herniation of a disc, or spinal stenoisis, surgery is sometimes an option.

A herniated disc happens when the cushion the separates the vertebrae from one another and is pushed outside its normal position. The word herniated itself means “to bulge or stick out”. People who suffer from lower back pain, lower body weakening, or shooting leg pains may have a herniated disc. Since these discs are in such close proximity to the spinal nerves it can potentially be dangerous to the overall health of the spinal column.

This spinal disc that has the propensity to bulge out does assume a more stiff tenure as time goes by. This rigid essence doesn’t bode well for the spine, which thrives in a fluid environment. As the elasticity is lost this spinal disk within the column can rupture.

The nerves surrounding the spinal cord can become pinched due to this rupturing.  The usual space between each vertebrae becomes lessened, and sin some cases can become non-existent. A result of the tightened space between vertebrae’s adds to the potential for back compression.

A herniated disc can happen suddenly, if an unexpected fall occurs or a car accident. It can also evolve overtime from a consistent improper torque of the spine, or bad postural habits developed at work or in daily activities. These poor habits create a breeding field that first affect the body’s alignment and then can begin to develop the inner workings of the spine itself.

Tingling and numbness, as well as shooting pains through the legs can be symptoms of a herniated disc. When the back is compressed, the nerve endings within the spine will begin sending out abnormal sensations, and affect the body’s ability to correctly signal pain to the central system of the body.

An MRI may need to be administered to accurately provide a diagnosis of a herniated disc. Since most all MRI’s will detail spinal abnormalities the findings must be weighed against a physician’s examination to have a true diagnosis. A physician will check reflexes, muscle strength, and sensation response in order to determine or confirm MRI results.

Treatment for a herniated disc can be administered in a variety of ways. Initially if the pain from the herniated disk is severe resting the injury should be the first line of defense. Activity modification is the next necessary step.

This modification needs to instated so as to reestablish a new way of moving. Pilates based rehab specializes in such education. Its whole-body approach to healing is holistic and yet ascertains certain elements of physical therapy making it a well-rounded option for herniated disc alleviation.

However, prevention of a herniated disk should be at the top of anyone’s list that holds their health in high regard. Maintaining a healthy weight will relieve stress in the back, since imbalances often occur from disproportionate body weight.

Heightening posture awareness through Pilates or yoga will allow for the correction of improper alignment. If you smoke, quit. This is another addition in the long list of anti-smoking campaigns, since smoking can increase the risk of a disc related injury.

In 1921 the first edition of the PT Review was published, that year also marked the time when The American Women’s Physical Therapeutic Association was formed. The association was led by President Mary McMillan, and included 274 members. During the 1940’s and 1950’s, a nationwide attack of Polio swept through the United States and created an even higher demand for physical therapists. Fro the next 20-30 years, war worn-and-torn soldiers and polio victims would be the main clientele that would make up the roster of physical therapy patient in the United States.

Before what is known as today as the American Physical Therapy Association (APTA), was in full force, most of the doctors that were using physical therapy treatments were eighty percent general practitioners. Only twenty percent of those performing physical therapy were properly trained in the field.  Physical therapy has had the same goals throughout its century long existence, to “foster advancements in physical therapy practice, research, and education.” This was used as a catalyst to focus on generating a higher population of individuals with proper knowledge of physical therapy methods.

It wasn’t until the 1950’s that physical therapy began taking its full shape. Manipulative spine treatments and joint practices were introduced in addition to the passive exercises, massage and hydrotherapy previously developed. It was also during this era that physical therapy began to branch out of the “medical” connotation it held and began to practice outside of hospital environments such as colleges, outpatient centers, clinics, nursing homes and public schools.

In the 1970’s a specialized program for Orthopedics emerged. Later that year, the International Federation of Orthopedic Manipulative Therapy (IFOTMT) was official. This federation is greatly responsible for the continually progress and necessary change needed to maintain manual therapy’s worldwide status.

With the introduction of the new “digital world” in the 1980’s new modalities were added to the already expansive list of practices. Ultrasound treatments, cold lasers, Isokinetics (electronic resistance exercises), iontophoresis and electric stimulators rounded out a well-organized attempt at a furthering profession.

With the obvious advances of technology and its effect on the medical profession, a manual therapist from Norway names Freddy Kaltenborne, saw a need for a formal collaboration of training and residency. He was one of the founders of the American Academy of Orthopedic Manual Physical Therapy (AAOMPT). This organization was critical to the physical therapy profession, since it introduced standardized practices and common specializations that would create a bond within all modes of facilities, patients, and therapists.

Out of the development of the American Academy of Orthopedic Manual Therapy many institutes, universities, residencies and fellowship programs have evolved and thrived. It is easy to forget the advancements that have been made from the days before the polio vaccine became commonplace, and our health was one of life’s biggest luxuries.

Physical therapy continues to reissue new life to those suffering from injuries or ailments that might impede the highest quality of life possible. Without the hard work and research of generations past, physical therapy may not be the lifeline that so many people have found to rescue them from a life with injury.