Pilates & Wellness FAQ's

Pilates

What should I expect in a Pilates fitness or wellness session?

Pilates is a very precise form of exercise that focuses on quality versus quantity of movement. The emphasis is on improving mobility, core control, movement strategies, and self-awareness.  Note that in a wellness session (whether conducted by a licensed PT/PTA or a fitness teacher), the intent is NOT to treat a specific condition.

Pilates sessions are most effective after a medical history review and an initial screening of posture, strength, flexibility, joint motion, balance, and coordination has been taken. This ensures that your Pilates program is set at the appropriate level based on your goals and fitness level.  Fitness screenings may be performed by a fitness Pilates practitioner, but if you have a more complex background, we may recommend that the more in depth movement/functional assessment come from a physical therapist who can communicate and make recommendations to the fitness Pilates practitioner to give you the best possible experience.

Exercises may be performed on the mat or on specially designed pieces of apparatus and very specific verbal and tactile cues are used to ensure optimal movement strategies.

What am I exercising on?

Pilates apparatus use a combination of springs and levers to create a smooth resistance or assistance to movement. The ProBalance Pilates Studio uses equipment from Balanced Body, Inc.

A variety of props/tools such as the Oov, rollers, balls, bands, towels, and rings are also utilized.  We also utilize Pilates reformers that are equipped with Konnectors.  The Konnector is a single rope system attached to the reformers that engages your entire body (lift your legs, and you’ll feel it in your arms!), providing constant proprioceptive feedback and improving core activation.

What is the difference between Private Pilates taught by a Physical Therapist (PT/Pilates) versus a Pilates Fitness Teacher (Fit Pilates)?

There is a difference in pricing due to the difference in skill, experience, and scope of practice when dealing with clients who currently have or have had past injuries or physical limitations. These clients may require different exercise progressions or adaptations of the exercises based on their medical history.  That said, our Fitness Pilates Teachers are very comfortable with working with clients who may have various conditions, ranging from orthopedic issues to neurologic challenges and are in close communication with the physical therapists in the studio for additional advice.

Does Pilates involve hands-on techniques?

There may be times where the Pilates teacher may use very specific, gentle tactile cues to encourage your body to move in the desired alignment. For physical therapists and other practitioners where advanced manual therapy techniques (soft tissue mobilization, joint mobilization, myofascial release, massage, etc) are within their scope of practice, these techniques may be incorporated into the movement session with the permission of the client to optimize results.

Is Pilates safe when I have an injury?

Pilates is a very gentle, yet challenging form of exercise. Pilates is ideal for individuals who are currently recovering from an injury or have a predisposing physical condition when performed with the appropriate precautions and by a skilled practitioner. Some examples of injuries that benefit from Pilates include: Back injuries, neck pain, shoulder, hip, knee, ankle injuries, arthritis, osteoporosis, and prenatal/postpartum conditions.

It is strongly recommended that individuals get clearance from their healthcare professional prior to initiating any new exercise program, especially if you have a more complex history or have had recent changes to your medical status.

Can I perform Pilates at home?

While the Pilates apparatus in the studio appropriately facilitates or challenges movement retraining, home exercise programs are regularly taught and encouraged by the PT’s and Pilates fitness teachers to ensure a balanced and consistent routine. This can be done using mat work with a variety of bands, props, balls, and gravity. It is recommended that Pilates exercises be performed 2-3x/week for maximum results.

Will my insurance, FlexSpend, or HSA account cover Pilates?

Pilates services for wellness are often eligible for submission towards your FlexSpend/HSA account when services are performed by a physical therapist, PTA, or by a fitness Pilates teacher when under the recommendation of a medical professional.

Pilates can be coded for insurance if it is part of a treatment procedure (coded as therapeutic exercise).  Please read the Physical Therapy treatment page for more information.