Enjoy the Benefits of Chiropractic and Pilates
By Emily Lindholm
Do you know the feeling when you find the perfect blend, two things that work perfectly together and create results that leave you hooked? This could be the case for combining chiropractic and Pilates.
What Is Pilates
Pilates was birthed from physical therapy years ago, created by a man named Joseph Pilates. He tailored his exercises to focus on the spine specifically, aligning the body so that the neutral curves of the spine may be restored. Pilates is designed to hold this alignment in place through its powerful strength component. For example, when someone has been doing an exercise repeatedly over time, their body will align to the intended adjustment, and the muscles will be strong enough to sustain it.
Here are some of the benefits of Pilates.
- Alignment and restoration of the spine
- Helps to keep adjustments in place
- Increases body awareness
- Improves functionality of the muscles and the joints
- Improves balance, flexibility, and strength
- Provides a whole body workout without any overwork
How Pilates and Chiropractic Fit Together
If you've been getting chiropractic adjustments, your chiropractor may have already sent you to a Pilates instructor. The two pair beautifully together. It's simple, strong muscles hold alignment.
If you've been getting the same adjustments over and over again, only to find them working their way back to the same spot, you may consider Pilates. When you can build muscles in the area around the intended alignment, you may experience more progress than you did before.
Many Pilates studios have chiropractic offices within them because the two work in conjunction so well. However, they are not the same. If you're dealing with a major injury or a chronic issue, a chiropractor is who I would recommend seeing first. A Pilates instructor is not able to tell you what is going on with your body. A chiropractor can address and pinpoint anatomical issues that a Pilates instructor cannot.
First, find out what the issue is, and then relay that information to your Pilates instructor. If you've been getting general alignments from your chiropractor and are not dealing with anything major, group classes in Pilates are great. However, if you have specific issues or chronic pain, I recommend getting a personal trainer in Pilates. A personal Pilates trainer will create a personalized program just for you and your needs. They can monitor your progress and tailor each session based on that.
If you're curious about Pilates, talk to your chiropractor first, and see if they have any recommendations. Not all studios are the same. Some Pilates studios are focused more on restoration and alignment, while others could steer more towards the fitness end of things. So, shop around, and be picky. The results will be worth it!
To learn more about your health, wellness, and fitness, see your local chiropractor at The Joint Chiropractic in Charlotte, N.C.