Benefits of Pilates for Shoulder Injuries
As an athletic trainer and physical therapist, as well as a former national team swimmer, Mauricio Elizondo understands injured athletes. At 18 years old, he suffered a shoulder injury and had his appendix removed (yes, both happened at the same time!) that forced him to withdraw from his swimming national championship... more
In today’s world where the majority of people sit in front of desks/computers and cell phones, an increase in reports of shoulder and neck pain has emerged. “Text neck” and the importance of posture have become household topics as well as ways to counteract these problems. Exercising and stretching are two main components of battling shoulder pain. Enter Pilates… Pilates is defined as “a mind-body exercise that focuses on strength, core stability, flexibility, muscle control, posture, and breathing” and has been used by rehab professionals to encourage stabilization and improve range of motion and flexibility.
Specifically, for those suffering from shoulder pain due to an injury from weight lifting or postural dysfunction, Pilates allows for a lower-impact exercise that will greatly strengthen the scapular (shoulder blade) stabilizers and rotator cuff muscles, as well as strengthen the upper back musculature to allow you to maintain better posture throughout the day. Pilates is also beneficial for thoracic spine (upper back) mobility. If you are lacking mobility in this region it can limit your shoulder range of motion, so improving thoracic spine mobility can allow you to fully reach your arms overhead without impinging on the shoulder joint itself. Add in Pilates' focus on core strength and stability, and your upper body will become stronger and posture will improve with all activities, from sitting at a desk for work to lifting barbells overhead.
If you have been dealing with some shoulder pain that just hasn’t been improving on its own and you want to see how incorporating Pilates principles can help you, call or text us at 727-826-7142 or email us at info@performancesportphysio.com to schedule a FREE PT evaluation. We can integrate some Pilates into your program with the reformer in our clinic and when you’re ready you can also book a private or a group Pilates class with our PT and certified Pilates instructor, Meghann Perez, or one of the other certified instructors at our sister company next door, Performance Sport Pilates.
