How a Therapeutic Studio Supports Special Populations
While some bodies are able to participate in a typical Pilates class without a lot of change-up, many need a little extra help. Here’s an overview of some of the populations that a rehab-ready studio is equipped for.
Take the pre- and post-natal body. Our moms and moms-to-be have special needs owing to the many changes that occur during pregnancy and childbirth. The extra laxity in the hips is one of the things that must be closely monitored. We don’t want our moms to stand on top of the reformer for the split series and wind up like Olive Oyl on the train tracks (all splayed out and no Popeye in sight!) That laxity can continue for quite a while, especially if she is breast feeding. The new mom might not even know the degree of her own flexibility.
We know too that wear and tear on the joints is (that dreaded word) — osteoarthritis. Even a thirty-year old may have some degree of it– maybe a broken toe from her pole dancing days didn’t heal up so well . But by the time you’re fifty and sixty and seventy (and eighty!) the word “arthritis” ceases to be abstract but aligns with day-to-day life. Arthritis in itself may or may not affect a student’s ability to perform in a classical setting, but the degree of deterioration, along with the degree of pain are factors in deciding what and how much to do. If that is you, it is best to find a teacher who will help you do the factoring and welcome you into a safe space.
A fully equipped Pilates studio is a fantastic environment for many conditions that necessitate extra care. If a student needs to do most of their workout in a seated position, many options await. Even a folding chair offers a platform for work. As does a dining chair. After all, the client will want to have a home program, and props and platforms that will translate to home.
My client Ran has fourth-stage glaucoma. This means that for her lying down supine, side-lying, the prone position, and being on hands and knees (quadruped) are all prohibited. Ran’s workout is 100% in sitting and standing. It’s my job to ensure that she gets spinal flexion, extension, rotation, core control, balance, and movement integration in the sitting and standing positions. It’s also my job to keep the workout fresh and varied.
Acid reflux is another condition that requires extra consideration. Placing a wedge under the body in supine will make a huge difference in the client’s comfort. Who would want to work out with bile dripping into the throat? Knowing what exercises to choose and to avoid, and what props to have on hand is part of the studio owner’s responsibility, if she or he expects to welcome special populations.
If a student has neurological insufficiency where the brain is not directing the limbs to the “usual” place, then a teacher with a specialty in that field can be at the ready to physically guide those limbs or to hold them in place. But know that the teacher will want as much information as possible from the student about their needs, their limitations, and their goals. Working in the dark with special populations is a non-starter. In cases where the student has other professionals in their retinue, I am delighted to reach out to them and confer. We’re part of a network and a helping one at that. I want to give my client every opportunity to shine. The more information I have, the better the chance!
End note: many other conditions that haven’t been specifically talked about here also come under the special care protocols. People with immunological challenges, chronic fatigue, and spinal abnormalities; issues with pain, nerves, joints, muscles, and mental health, have also had significant to profound success in the Pilates studio!
Core Cat Pilates 