Pilates for People with Medical Conditions or recovering after an operation

With many medical conditions, people can be wary of exercise.  Pilates is a gentle form of exercise that can be progressed as appropriate.

People with medical conditions or who have had operations may find that they have one or all of the following:

  • Shallow breathing patterns and lacking in energy
  • Wary of movement
  • Altered Posture
  • Joint and muscle stiffness
  • Frustrations with present condition, causing stress.

How Pilates Can Help

The combined diaphragmatic and lateral breathing technique that is central to Pilates is great for helping to change habits of shallow breathing and improving this can help with energy levels as more oxygen is then circulating.  When this breathing technique is combined with focussed "mindful" movements, it can result in a relaxing effect and help to reduce stress levels.

As Pilates involves slow controlled movements done within your comfortable range, this can help people to gain more confidence with their movement.

Pilates has a large focus on posture and body awareness and both will improve with practice of the exercises.

Pilates encourages you to use your body normally and efficiently which will help in the reduction of joint and muscle stiffness.