Part IV: Joints stabilization

Instability on the surface of the bones articulated between each other to allow movement, get “closer” or “displace” and relate between each other in an imperfect way, start producing pain and movement limitation. These phenomena can take place in any on the body’s joints (knees, shoulders, elbows, wrists, spine’s vertebrae, etc.). The principles of the Pilates technique operate on the same way for any body part.

The programmed work of the different muscular groups permits making fluent and firm movements with stable joints. One of the most important elements in the joint stabilization work is the muscular co contraction, which is another essential factor of Pilates’ rehab.

The progressive joints stabilization means giving back to joint its normal position and alignment, as well as normalizing as much as possible the joint structures between each other (separating bones that were to close to each other due to a lot of muscular tension; or aligning joint that were twisted by an excessive development of one muscular group on detriment of another.

Movements and exercises are performed in a harmonic and synchronized way with an appropriate breathing job, to which is also required a high concentration level. The participation of breathing, willingly controlled in a conscious way, in the movement and muscular strength, not only determines excellent levels of oxygenation towards your body and muscles, but also allows reaching a high level of mental relaxation, achieving in some cases levels close to the ones achieves during deep meditation.

Any rehab scheme based on the Pilates method starts by the stabilization and strengthening work on the lumbar area and from there is approached stability, alignment and balanced strengthening of the other body segments, to finally get position correction and the total stability of the muscular-bone system.

The main goal of the painless functional movement is achieved when we are able to incorporate to our mind’s schemes new movement and position patterns, more naturals and efficient, with stable and aligned joints with strong, toned, flexible and balanced muscles.