The road to rehabilitation is often a complex journey. It’s important to use the right approach and tools to ensure a safe and effective rehab journey. In this article, three esteemed Merrithew® Instructor Trainers - Sarah Jarvis, Laureen DuBeau and Bianca Bolissian - shed light on their experiences, approaches and favorite equipment when working with clients.
Join us as we explore the impact STOTT PILATES® plays across the rehab spectrum.
What do you take into consideration while working with a post-rehab client?
The STOTT PILATES Injuries & Special Populations (ISP) course equips Pilates instructors with an effective approach when working with rehab clients. First, it’s essential to gather a client’s medical & physical history to understand their specific needs and limitations. Instructors should review the model of joint function to assist in understanding where the inadequacies are. Collaboration with the client’s therapists can also provide valuable insights, bringing clarity and guidance on exercise and muscular focus. Additionally, reviewing the condition or injury as outlined in the Injuries & Special Populations manual helps in tailoring the exercise program to support the client's recovery process.
How has STOTT PILATES Injuries and Special Populations education influenced your professional practice?
The STOTT PILATES ISP course has influenced my professional practice by enhancing my knowledge and skills in anatomy, assessment and programming. This education has empowered me to create tailored workout programs that cater to the specific needs and conditions of my clients, including those in the post-rehab setting. Furthering your education will take you from good to great. Clients will notice and appreciate the expertise and care you give them.
Tell us about a client you worked with and how STOTT PILATES assisted in their recovery
One of my clients had debilitating shoulder pain, so I used STOTT PILATES Postural Analysis guide as a tool to assess his static posture and then I observed his shoulder & thoracic mobility for any inefficiency. I always look for poor biomechanics, reduced range of motion or weakness that could be contributing to his pain. When I discovered limitations in his scapulae movement, I used props like soft foam rollers and textured balls to release the tension from certain muscles, which then assisted in increasing his range of motion. In addition, I recorded him doing the exercises for his own homework and after a few sessions, the problem was resolved very quickly.
Share your favorite post-rehab-focused equipment
My favorite pieces of post-rehab-focused equipment are Merrithew’s foam roller with soft density, Flex-Band loop and Toning Balls. These tools are instrumental in releasing stuck tissues and assisting with activation, especially with my client who experienced a shoulder injury.
What is your approach to working with a client in a post-rehab setting?
When working with a client in a post-rehab setting, it’s crucial to collaborate with their medical team. This will give you insight into their condition, limitations, goals and most importantly, the exercise prescription. Since it is out of the scope for a Pilates Instructor to write an exercise prescription, reliance on rehab professionals is essential. They craft the prescription, enabling us to develop a tailored program addressing the client’s needs.
How has STOTT PILATES Injuries and Special Populations education influenced your professional practice?
I predominantly work with clients in a post-rehab setting, following their sessions with a physiotherapist or rehab professional. The education and ongoing training I receive through Merrithew allows me to work with clients at various stages of their rehab journey. Using the STOTT PILATES Movement System, I tailor exercises that contribute to my client’s recovery and understand how to improve their movement patterns. These specialized skills elevate my demand as an instructor.
Tell us about a client you worked with and how STOTT PILATES assisted in their recovery
I’m currently working with an 86-year-old man who is recovering from hip replacement surgery. Given my knowledge of this type of surgery, I was able to liaise directly with his physiotherapist where we discussed the exercise prescription along with his goals. I put together a program for him using the STOTT PILATES Movement System, supplemented with a variety of props and light equipment. We are able to target specific muscles and ensure quality movement. I’m happy to see significant progress and look forward to the day he can walk without his cane.
Share your favorite rehab-focused equipment
The V2 Max Plus Reformer is my favorite due to its added Vertical Frame, enhancing usability. With a Mat Converter, I can provide support and stability, while incorporating the various springs and bars on the Vertical Frame. This Reformer is versatile and its adjustable features make targeting specific muscles effortless for any client.
What is your approach to working with a client in a post-rehab setting?
In a post-rehab setting, I first ensure the client is medically cleared to exercise. I thoroughly ask about their injury and rehab journey, understanding the nature of their trauma and observe their posture and biomechanics. An open line of communication with your client is key to achieving functional change. One teaching tip I have found incredibly valuable is to make the process fun! I aim to balance focus on the rehabilitated area with whole-body exercises, incorporating exercises they are good at to uplift their spirits.
Tell us about a client you worked with and how STOTT PILATES assisted in their recovery
In my 17 years of teaching Pilates, a standout moment was helping a client who suffered a whiplash injury from a fall. Despite undergoing physiotherapy, he still struggled with neck pain and misalignment. Using STOTT PILATES exercises, I put together a routine that my client later called "My Life Line Routine," something he always went back to when needed. After a 3.5-year hiatus due to the Pandemic, I resumed teaching this client and found the routine had kept him active and functional.
Share your favorite rehab-focused equipment
All props and equipment are suitable for a post-rehab client, you just need to assess which will be the best at that moment in time. Mini-stability balls and Foam Rollers are a great way to add proprioception to mat-based exercises and excellent for at-home workouts. The V2 Max Plus, paired with Extension Straps and a Jumpboard, is particularly beneficial to address hip and knee post-rehab. The Cadillac Push-Thru Bar is the best of the best to address an upper body post-rehab process.
If you’re a rehab professional, check out our exclusive Rehab Month deal that offers free rehab accessories worth $680 USD with select Rehab Reformer Bundles. This deal includes many of our most popular rehab-focused props and accessories to drastically extend your programming options and meet your clients’ needs.
Also, if you’re a licensed healthcare professional, learn how you can grow your clinical practice with the STOTT PILATES Rehab Education Program here.
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