Rapid Rehab LA Pilates Based Physical Therapy Brentwood California

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.

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.

When it comes to signal health, a bulging disk is one of the biggest predators, not to mention one of the most common. Bulging disks usually develop overtime and are more common in the elderly. In the lower back a disk may shift out of its normal placement within the lumbar, and when this occurs a piece of the cushion that surrounds the vertebrae is compromised. The condition can even go unnoticed for periods of time, since it is usually only noticed when it pinches a nerve or becomes a herniated disk.

A bulging disk is therefore considered a secondary condition and is usually only identified through diagnostic image tests or routine magnetic resonance imaging (MRI). Postural imbalances can add to the potential of a bulging disk, and since Pilates based rehab is exceptional in realigning the spine and heightening body awareness it is a great alleviator of the condition.

Rudimentary movements that are executed improperly over time cause injuries. Steps need to be taken to rectify faulty postures, and to lubricate joints through increase flexibility exercises, and Pilates is one of those most important steps.

One case study from Rehab Management Journal found that a client who suffered from a bulging disc greatly decreased the severity of her condition once she introduced Pilates based rehab into her rehabilitation regime. Her pain level on a scale of 1-10 was a 7 at the beginning of her treatments, after 12 sessions she had lowered that pain scale to 4.

Pain limited this client’s range of motion and she was charted at only having 15% of her flexibility at the beginning of treatment. After the twelve sessions her range of motion around the area had increased 35 degrees. For her rehabilitation it was found that soft tissue work and joint mobilization greatly improved her condition as well as alleviated pain.

By engaging the whole body in a quest to address a bulging disk, an entirely new rhythm of everyday activity is found. Pilates based rehab introduces an energy efficient methodology of movement that will change the way you pick up a box or run a mile. Its wellness proponents are easy on the joints and especially on the lower back where a bulging disk may be occurring. This makes it a perfect addition to any lower back or spinal abnormality rehabilitation program.

The advantage to participating in a low-impact recovery program, like a Pilates based rehabilitation program, is that for a bulging disk the area may be inflamed and even be painful. Yet it can be addressed without adding to the level of discomfort that one may feel during the exercises themselves. The exercises found in Pilates based rehab highlight gliding motions, incorporate purposeful and effective breathing patterns.

Since the low back is found within the trunk of the body, it is essential for long term recovery that the core muscles are used and strengthened. When the muscles within the trunk of the body are weak that is when an individual is at the greatest risk for developing harmful and improper postural alignment and muscular imbalances, which can result in a bulging disk.

There are two different forms of physical therapy that can be used to aide in the recovery of back pain. Passive Physical Therapy is one, which includes modalities that are done to the client by a therapist and Active Physical Therapy is when a client actively pursues relief through patterns of exercises.

Passive therapy includes the most common form of therapy: heat and cold therapies. Depending on the injury and the client’s response some find more relief with heat therapy (i.e.: heat packs), while others find release from cold therapy (i.e.: ice massages). Each compression usually last 20 minutes. However, cold and heat therapy is best implemented early on in an injury (the first 72 hours), where back pain is concerned. These modalities prevent muscle spasms and reduce inflammation.

Iontophoresis is another passive therapy option, which means that a steroid is topically given to the injured area and shortly thereafter followed by an electrical current. This is also an anti-inflammatory therapy, however it is most appropriately applied when the injury is acute in nature.

On the heels of electrotherapy options another popular form of passive physical therapy is TENS. TENS is an abbreviation for transcutaneous electrical nerve stimulator. This “unit” releases electrical signals to the brain, which assist in the adaptation of the pain in the lower back. It “overrides” the pain signals and provides relief. TENS is usually only prescribed to clients who have gone through trial with the equipment and experienced success. If TENS does decrease the lower back pain, a home device can be found, and used for temporary relief and comfort in the home for however long the client may need it.

Another form of “deep heating” can be found in using an ultrasound. When an ultrasound is applied to the pain in the lower back, sound waves enter the soft tissues to alleviate the pain. If the back pain is acute, an ultrasound is a probable option for tissue repair enhancement.

Active Physical Therapy revolves around three necessary elements of rehabilitation. For generalized spine health it is imperative to incorporate deep stretching, elongating strength training, and low impact aerobic conditioning. Making time for these essential active recovery exercises should be a priority.

Deep stretching can be accomplished through Pilates based rehab as well as the more traditional styling of active physical therapy. For back pain, hamstrings need to be paid attention to. Even though the pain isn’t originating in the legs, a tightening of the hamstrings can cause pinching and spinal dysfunction. Timing of stretching should be scheduled out so that your body can begin to adjust to the exercises and so that you can chart personal progress on a consistent basis.

To strengthen weakened muscles in the back, which is the number on cause of back pain due to imbalanced muscles configuration. There needs to be at least 20 minutes a day of lumbar stabilization exercise. Gentle lifting and slow and controlled movements will begin to build up endurance in the back as well as create a graceful line of everyday activity within the body.

Low impact conditioning can be cardio-based Pilates routines, walking, swimming, and bicycling. Cardio needs to be used in conjunction with passive or active Physical therapy to maintain overall health of the body and to increase energy utilization.

Strengthening the back muscles and increasing the back’s flexibility is the best way to begin a rehabilitation program for a back injury. Pilates’ unique approach to muscle strengthening is perfect for those with injuries because its lengthening moves are easy on the body yet they require the utmost in muscle integration. Once the back can be reintroduced as a balanced component of the body’s musculoskeletal system, injuries are less likely to occur and will be much less painful if they do.

Pilate’s rehabilitation exercises focus on lumbar stabilization, which is achieved through a series of movements that incorporate The Core. The Core muscles include: Transverse Abdominis, The Pelvic Floor Muscles, and the Multifidus-, which is the deep muscles of the back. Some refer to the strengthening of The Core as tightening your body’s corset. This acts as a visual guide for those who don’t understand the concept of The Core. Once the corset around the spine is tightened it creates a safety cage for the muscles to move with ease and as a result remain protected from injury.

Pilates elongates the muscles in the back and engages them proactively with every pose. In other forms of strength training such as weight-bearing exercises, or weight machines, isolation of the muscles is encouraged. This however, increases the possibility of imbalance.

The goal of Pilates it to create a whole body approach to exercise, which can correct imbalances, realign bad postural habits, and strengthen the muscles surrounding the spine. Range of motion is also increased through Pilates, which allows for further flexibility in the body. Flexibility is key in keeping the joints limber and lubricated.

Postural education is one of the more unique factors implemented in Pilates based rehab programs. Pilates based rehabilitation instructors take the time to explain why certain movements change injury potential and work with you to master them. Pilates is not only a rehabilitation program, it is a great way for those with injuries to reestablish the quality of life they knew, pre-injury.

Instead of just trying to treat an abnormality in the body, Pilates physically recreates patterns of movement. If the back injury was a product of poor posture or spinal misalignment, or improper form in activity, Pilates aims to correct that.

Re-injuring oneself is of great concern in the rehabilitation world. Active recovery is one way to avoid that.  When you are actively using and strengthening the muscles that are involved in the injury, they have less capacity to be strained. The more a muscle goes un-used or un-trained, the higher the chances that their dormancy will lead to an injury again.

Whether a patient takes a Pilates Mat class, or a machine-based class both will challenge the back muscles. Machine Pilates based rehab pushes against spring-loaded resistance for an even glide of exercise. This enables people of all ages with back injuries to begin where they can, dependent upon physical ability. Pilates based rehabilitation is not only rehabilitation; it is a way to return to a whole life.

Pilates-Based Physical Therapy finds its methodology to be in the same family of framework as physical therapy, but different psychological approaches sets them apart. Pilates based physical therapy sees whole-body wellness as the cure to injury as well as the key to functional living, for a better quality of life long after the initial stages of recovery. When the road to healing is paved with the Pilates based physical therapy practices, that path will lead to a life where moving better means feeling better.

Treating a symptom and not the problem will only result in a temporary fix. When maladaptive movements are corrected and analyzed through the lens of Pilates, it creates a whole new spectrum of possibility and adds a depth of scope into everyday living.

The focus of Pilates-based rehab to not only improve the quality of life but also re-educated the body to move in a more energy efficient manner. Self-awareness is heightened by the breathing patterns Pilates integrates into its slow and controlled movements. Much like physical therapy it does incorporate patience and diligence into its objective.

Another unique difference found in Pilates-based physical therapy is that you are generally assured the same technician each time you schedule and appointment. In physical therapy there is no chance of obtaining a “swinging door” practitioner. A relationship between the Pilates-based rehabilitation instructor and its client is of great importance, so that relationship is developed over time with the same instructor. A partnership generates a level of trust, and can be motivation for faster recovery.

When a client begins to involve themselves in new ways of moving, and new ways of walking, sitting and standing, provided by Pilates-based rehab, an awakening will be discovered. Sometimes just the way that we carry ourselves can lead to injury and imbalance, and we are completely unaware of it. Pilates will teach you how to listen to your body and respond accordingly.

Pilates is done on machines that assist the body along in creating more efficient patterns of movement. Each machine is spring-loaded and can be adjusted to fit the comfort zone of each client. With the careful observation and assistance of highly qualified Pilates professional, proper muscle recruitment will be developed keeping your specific needs in mind. Pilates based-rehab blends traditional therapy modalities with innovative Pilates poses to create a much needed mind-body connection technique that begins to heal the body from the outside in.

Understanding that climate of healthcare concerns, where time and money can be tight, Pilates designs its program to be highly effective in a short amount of time. Sequencing stabilization within the body and within the mind of a person suffering from an injury is at the forefront of those who teach Pilates. There are many options out there for rehabilitation, but we encourage you to give Pilates-based physical therapy a try and compare “notes” with former rehabilitation methods.

We believe that you will find Pilates to be a gentle progression from injury to wellness, no matter who you are, how old you are, your physical condition, female or male, Pilates based rehab can change the way you view the process of recovery and live your life beyond it.

Even though celebrities and professional athletes sing the praises of Pilates, the “aging athlete” is another sub-group of Pilates’ participants that have found Pilates to be an invaluable addition to their lives. The “aging athlete” includes those individuals between the ages of 40-60 who have either continuously been involved in sports activities or are seeking a way to incorporate everyday exercise into their schedules. After the age of 30, muscle mass is lost.

As the 40’s are surmounted, bone density is affected. Not to mention that tendons and ligaments lose elasticity as each individual ages. With these changes it makes it more and more difficult to even maintain previous workouts or activities, let alone add to them. Body preservation must be attempted in alternative ways once our bodies achieve a certain level of maturity.

This group of “aging athletes” has been broken down into 3 different groups. These 3 groups include the “older athlete”, the “prematurely mature athlete” and the “former athlete”. The “older athlete” is one who has maintained a consistent fitness schedule for most of his/her life, however a nagging injury may be preventing the continuation of those workouts.

The “former athlete” is predisposed to muscle degradation from their involvement in a low aerobic conditioning sport like golf. The “prematurely aging athlete” is one that has injuries. These injuries are oftentimes significantly serious, but are still ignored. Usually the injury is neglected on the basis of “playing through” the pain. This type of injury will result in a shorter athletic lifetime for that individual.

Pilates based rehab is the perfect addition to these types of situations. The healing components of the mind-body combination found in Pilates’ movements can begin the gentle reintroduction of strength training and rotary motion. Its kind and gentle approach can correct an injured system in an effective yet concise manner.

Instead of walking through numerous different exercises, the entire Pilates based rehab circuit can be achieved centrally and with ease. The principle behind Pilates, reinstating harmony within the body and the mind, is the crux behind why Pilates based rehab is so successful for its clients.

Whether you play sports professionally or just play softball for a local charity, Pilates can transform an average performance, recovery, or endurance threshold into that of a highly trained athlete. Nearly a dozen professional sports team have instated Pilates as a part of their training regime, not to mention that more than 10 million people worldwide are participants as well.

The strain of heavy lifting or the risk of highly elevated heart rates has no place in any Pilates studio. Pilates is considered one of the safest and worthwhile ways to produce a highly effective body in any phase of an athletic career.  rapidrehabla.com/rr-studio.html