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University Health Care Manlius offers Pilates exercise program for injury prevention and rehabilitation

Pilates, the popular exercise method used by dancers and athletes for years, is now part of a rehabilitation program at University Hospital’s Manlius satellite.

University Hospital Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation at University Health Care Manlius (UHCM) has added a Pilates program to assist individuals in injury prevention and rehabilitation, as well as general fitness. The Pilates program at UHCM is led by Christine Rieger, a physical therapist and certified Pilates therapist. UHCM is located at 102 W. Seneca Street in Manlius.

According to Rieger, everyone can benefit from the Pilates technique, from the elite athlete to the sedentary person. It is safe for all age groups and provides a refreshing and energizing workout. Even pregnant women can safely use the method to learn proper breathing and body alignment, improve concentration and to recover body shape and tone after pregnancy, Rieger said.

“The medical community has begun to examine the effectiveness of Pilates as it can be applied to injury prevention and rehabilitation,” she said. “Pilates can help rehabilitate or prevent back pain, neck pain, extremity injuries, osteoarthritis and osteoporosis and accelerate the recovery of soft tissue injuries.”

The method works by toning muscles as well as balancing muscular force at the joint level. It stimulates circulation through facilitating muscular flexibility, joint range of motion and proper musculoskeletal alignment. In addition, it promotes new neuromuscular patterns, heightened body awareness and more precise coordination.

The Pilates sessions at UHCM are currently conducted on a one-on-one basis. Individuals need a physician’s referral to participate and the program cost is covered by most insurance companies. Each session is tailored to the individual’s specific physical needs. Many of the exercises are performed in the reclining or sitting positions and most are low impact and partial weight-bearing. Depending on interest, UHCM may expand its Pilates program to small group sessions.

For more information about the Pilates program or to place your name on a small group class waiting list, call 315-464-2233.