Classical Pilates for Modern Life
(A Harmonious Pilates, Inc. Original Publication)
by Joanna Telacka
Classical Pilates Teacher
Business Owner
Triathlete
February 17th, 2024
Shining light on Pilates truths, honoring Joseph Pilates,
and supporting you in your Pilates journey.
Pilates as a pre and post-hip replacement protocol
It is a fact that practicing classical Pilates does improve hip health. The exercises stretch the muscles that surround the hip joints, hamstrings, inner thigh muscles, hip flexors, and deep hip rotators.
But where does Pilates fit in when, for reasons that are out of one's control, hip replacement surgery is inevitable?
As with this type of surgery, when one is temporarily not able to use the leg, the core strength and overall good conditioning are essential for being able to function, move around, and recover.
Going into the surgery feeling strong, conditioned, and limber, makes all the difference in the world. The alternative is rather bleak; Not being able to get up from bed on our own or struggling with using a walker or crutches due to lack of upper body strength does not help in having an easier recovery. In addition to that, when the body is incapacitated, the psyche may not be in the best shape either.
So even when in pain and awaiting surgery, one can still use some aspects of the Pilates method as a pre-surgery fitness protocol. The protocol would include the classical Pilates exercises in order that they exist on the Mat and Reformer, omitting the exercises that cause pain in the hip joint. The program would also include chosen exercises on Cadillac and Chair.
The Mat helps to strengthen the lower abdominals and other core muscles. It improves overall conditioning since it is just us and gravity and there are no springs to assist.
Reformer does this too and adds the upper body strengthening component.
So do the Chair and Cadillac.
In fact, at this stage, we can use long leg springs on the Cadillac to provide support for the affected hip joint and still work on strengthening the surrounding muscles, as tolerated of course.
My Two Cents
Going into any surgery with good stamina and with strong core muscles is a big part of having a successful outcome–so is diligent therapy after.
But what also makes a difference is doing Pilates exercises as a continuation of recovery not only, for overall conditioning, but also for regaining strength and flexibility in the operated leg.
In my work, I use the entire classical Pilates repertoire to help my clients achieve just that. I do of course avoid the exercises that are not to be taught to the bodies with replaced joints such as Half and Full Hang, Front Splits, Grande Splits to give a few examples.
My objective is the same for everyone– either regain pre-surgery strength or help achieve an overall fitness level that they have never experienced before. The most rewarding part of teaching though is to see time and time again that the method works.:)
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For previous editions click here: https://www.harmoniouspilates.com/blog.html
My goal is to reach as many people as I can to help them have a better quality of life through Pilates philosophy and movement technique.
Thank you :)
Joanna
Copyright@Harmonious Pilates, Inc 2024
