REHABILITATION

PILATES IN SPORT – A TOOL FOR INJURY PREVENTION

AND INJURY TREATMENT By Paul Massey MCSP, BA

INTRODUCTION The application of Pilates as a tool in sport offers the athlete and coach an innovative and dynamic method to inte- grate functional and practical stability concepts into an individual or team train- ing regime. These concepts can be in rela- tion to trunk, scapular and pelvis and are tailored to the sport in question.

This method is progressive, starting with addressing individual joint motion and building to multi-joint motion. The method is based on defined principles and seeks to be both tactile and elicit in its approach. If optimal movement breaks down, a corrective approach for that indi- vidual can be put into place.

The movement pattern or task is broken down to units of movement based on defined principles (see principles of Pilates exercises). These units of movement refer to a progressive framework for the overall method, the process is dynamic.

Sports Pilates will illustrate the practical application of the Pilates method, enhancing sports performance and injury prevention through the use of correct form. The application stresses correct form and control throughout the exercise programme, over repetition or duration, with the objective of improving muscle strength, length and function.

THE PILATES METHOD Joseph Pilates was born in Germany in 1880 and suffered from a number of ill- nesses which resulted in muscular weak- ness. He was determined to overcome these physical limitations and involved himself in martial arts, yoga and Swedish gymnastic exercises. The experience gained in these activities led to the development of his unique method of

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physical and mental conditioning. These methods involve incorporating mental focus, breathing and relaxation into one programme. This method allowed and enhanced early movement in the rehabil- itation process and these movement patterns appeared to speed up the heal- ing process. The application of Pilates is more than just a series of abdominal exercises.

PRINCIPLES OF PILATES EXERCISES 1. Relaxation 2. Alignment 3. Co-ordination/flowing movement 4. Centring/focusing 5. Concentration 6. Breathing 7. Movement sequencing/lengthening.

There are a number of variations on the original

principles established by Joseph

Pilates, but when we look at quality movement the above principles fit in well with the Pilates model in the application of exercises.

1. Relaxation There is the need to be able to move correctly in a less tense state. Tension in muscles leads to pulls or demands on these muscles that may create incorrect move- ment patterns or faulty methods of under- taking the exercise. Working from a relaxed starting position in relation to the exercis- es, allows improved movement quality. 2. Alignment Refers to the need to maintain a neutral position during movement as a key to cor- rect alignment. This is to establish the correct connection and positioning of the core areas of the neck, scapular, trunk and pelvis.

3. Co-ordination Relates to the flow of good quality move- ment, that is smooth, continuous and in the pattern of the exercise selected. There is a need for good repetition in order to enhance the Ingram of the movements that can be applied to the sporting activity. 4. Centring Considers the activation of the core or the co-ordination between the core areas for body alignment and position while under-

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