Physiotherapy tends to focus on a body part/ body chain and segment during an injury process. As soon as that healing time allows whole body re-integration as a focus, Pilates should be front stage again!
Kerry Etkin – Continuing Education Presenter, Physiotherapist (upper limb injury and hand rehabilitation specialist) & Pilates Instructor.
WHICH CAME FIRST: PILATES OR PHYSIOTHERAPY
Physiotherapy came first, followed by a post grad dip in upper limb injuries and hand rehabilitation. Pilates followed when I developed a hand injury due to a combination of poor scapular stability, hypermobility, and hours of hands-on physio treatments.
WHAT DO YOU LIKE MOST ABOUT PILATES?
I love the sense of safety and security it allows you to have in your body. It allows you to trust your body because it has internal support.
DO YOU FIND THAT PILATES CAND BE BENEFICIAL FOR YOUR PHYSIOTHERAPY CLIENTS?
Pilates is essential for my Physio patients. It allows them to return to their chosen sport, manage their own injury and prevent further injuries.
Marisa Traino –
Pilates ITC Senior Educator, Physiotherapist (hand therapist & antenatal specialist) & Continuing Education Presenter.
HOW DID YOU DISCOVER PILATES?
Word of mouth – I heard the word bandied around a lot and it raised so many unanswered questions that I decided to undertake the Diploma of Professional Pilates Instruction (10838NAT) to gain a proper learning foundation, rather than following rumoured concepts.
WHAT DO YOU LIKE MOST ABOUT PILATES?
Its inclusivity! Pilates benefits all age groups, health & fitness levels while bringing focus to the whole body.
DO YOU FIND THAT PILATES IS BENEFICIAL FOR YOUR PHYSIOTHERAPY CLIENTS?
Absolutely! They go hand-in hand! Pun intended. Physiotherapy tends to focus on a body part/ body chain and segment during an injury process. As soon as that healing time allows whole body re-integration as a focus, Pilates should be front stage again!
WHO IS YOUR PILATES INSPIRATION
While Joseph Pilates’ rationales struck an early chord with me, I must confess my real Pilates inspiration is Sally Anderson. She’s a mentor, teacher, and Pilates guru who I try to take notes from at every opportunity.
Petrea Stregas –
Physiotherapist & Pilates Instructor at our Instructor Training Studio, Pilates Fitness Institute.
HOW DID YOU DISCOVER PILATES?
Knowing what I know now, I wish I had started Pilates when I was younger and playing high-level sport! A friend in my Physiotherapy course mentioned Pilates Fitness Institute to me and insisted I come and try her Barre class. It wasn’t long before I was hooked and attending as many classes as I could!
WHAT DO YOU LIKE MOST ABOUT PILATES?
It’s functional and promotes self-awareness of the body, which I think a lot of marketable exercise classes lack. It is so beneficial for people who work long hours at a desk or load heavily in sustained postures, and as a result can help manage pain and even prevent it. It’s attainable for all demographics and doesn’t boast benefits it can’t deliver on.
DO YOU FIND THAT PILATES CAN BE BENEFICIAL FOR YOUR PHYSIOTHERAPY CLIENTS?
Absolutely! Pilates is for everyone regardless of their clinical presentation. Physiotherapists know that there’s often a biomechanical link with pain or injury. We can address any biomechanical deviations from what’s considered normal and help facilitate a long-term solution for clients using Pilates principles – so much more than short-term pain relief. This is super powerful and prompts independence, autonomy, and sustainability.
WHO IS YOUR PILATES INSPIRATION?
All the people I see, of all ages, who participate in Pilates or other like-minded therapeutic exercise. It shows a prioritisation of health and willingness to gain better understanding of how their body moves. Knowledge is power and Pilates gives people a deep understanding of their body.
