About Us - Pilates Post-Rehabilitation

Pilates for Post-Rehabilitation

For many people with chronic pain, incorrect body usage can cause an increase in pain and can often be the cause of the pain itself. Because of the care and detail our Pilates teachers apply to correct movement patterns and body usage, the work is often referred to as ‘corrective exercise.’ Individualized movement education offered at Balance Within is an essential component of rehabilitative Pilates work. We utilize sound principles of basic stabilization, including core muscle development, muscle balance, and correct skeletal alignment as the foundation of both good rehab and good Pilates work.

Often physicians, physical therapists, chiropractors and massage therapists turn to Balance Within to continue rehabilitative programs, or to strengthen or condition their patients. A number of our teachers are also licensed massage practitioners, providing additional skills in hands-on-techniques for our clients. Balance Within’s focus on individualized instruction allows the teacher to monitor and progress the client in a safe and gentle way.

The teachers at Balance Within are trained in the full Pilates system, anatomy, biomechanics and safety. They have the ability to personalize the instruction according to the specific needs of each client and facilitate the client’s return to “efficient and effortless” function in daily life. Although many people come to Pilates work with recovery in mind, most find as they progress out of the rehab stage they go on to enjoy the full range of movement provided by the Pilates Method.

Communication with the referring doctor or therapist is also an essential part of ongoing rehabilitative work. Although we are not a provider and do not file insurance, some programs and companies will allow movement training, and clients can sometimes arrange reimbursement by providing specific records. We are happy to discuss this with you.

“I came to Balance Within following two spinal fusion surgeries and several years of living with chronic spine pain. I had tried various exercise and strengthening programs with little or no benefit and there were no more medical solutions to my difficulties. I knew about Pilates, but was reluctant, afraid I might make matters worse.

After a great deal of research, I made an appointment for an assessment with Gail Anderson to determine whether I might benefit from individual Pilates instruction. I knew that knowledge of my surgeries and limitations would be necessary for me to feel comfortable about my ability to be helped. It turned out to be the best present I could have given myself!

Over the past several months, I have worked with Gail and have made significant gains in understanding body mechanics and movement patterns, improved my balance and stamina, and most importantly, have seen a dramatic improvement in pain levels and an ability to enjoy a busy and productive day to its end. All of this has taken place in a supportive and knowledgeable studio where other clients and teachers engage one another in fun and encouraging relationships. It is a place where one can learn and practice body patterns that are appropriate to one’s particular needs and abilities.

Being a student a Balance Within will be a life long pursuit for me, one that I know will support me both physically and mentally as I continue to learn and practice this important form. It is a place I look forward to coming to and always leave better than I came.”

» JoAnne Holt, client since 2008 (age 65)

For three years I had been dealing with pain and restricted motion in my wrists, hands, elbows, shoulders, and upper back. I also discovered I had a scoliosis and spinal rotation and although therapeutic massage and chiropractic helped a great deal I eventually had two frozen shoulders and weak musculature. I had always heard good things about Pilates for rehabilitation and discovered Balance Within from a neighbor who was a client there and had a good experience with the training team. So, in 2007 I went to Balance Within.

My first session with Gail Anderson was an eye-opener: I discovered I was holding myself up by my upper traps and the rest of the muscles weren’t doing anything! Click! For years my neck and shoulders had ached and I was always asking my husband to massage them. Gail referred me out for additional body work with a manual PT, Katherine Yano, and when I started my once a week sessions with Kandace at Balance Within I found the combination helped me immensely. As muscles strengthened and were retrained to work correctly, I increased to twice a week with Kandace. She knows my issues and problem areas and watches me closely and makes those little positional changes that make a huge difference to the overall exercises and resulting benefit. I am very pleased by my progress: both frozen shoulders are freed and even my feet and gait have improved.

» Paula Mahoney, client since 2007 (age 53)