Pilates for Multiple Sclerosis and Other Neurological Conditions
As one of my teachers says, “Anyone who has a brain has a neurological condition!” Ha ha!
But seriously, when a stroke event or a diagnosis happens to you or someone you love, it can throw you into a tailspin. Thankfully, consistent and neuro-specific exercise is proven by research to prevent and/or limit the progression or impact of the disease. In what for the client might be a new and confusing medical world, a movement session will help the body & brain become stronger and more resilient despite the unforeseen changes in the brain and its effects on the body.
How exercise can help neurological conditions
Exercise done with the neurological condition in mind can:
Prevent and/or limit disease progression or impact
Rewire the brain for recovery
Improve quality of life, sleep, mood
Prevent other diseases
Why Pilates for Neurological Conditions?
Ever heard the term ‘mind-body movement? Some exercise is done without focus (not mind-body) – for example, you can ride a stationary bike and watch tv at the same time. In this case, your brain is not focused on the movements (it’s focused The Expanse or Schitt’s Creek or whatever). The body is moving automatically.
However with true mind-body movements, the exercises are done with focused attention during slower movement. This attention & slow movement combo gives the brain time to connect with the muscle firing, etc and then, mostly importantly, change or correct the strategy the brain is using for that movement. Otherwise movement is simply an automatic reaction in the brain that is hard to change because it’s done so quickly. This re-wiring of the brain, i.e. mind-body exercise, is a cornerstone of the Pilates movement system, and the reason it is so effective, for all brains and bodies, regardless of their health.
Neuroplasticity and movement
Pilates is mind-body movement that can change the structure and function of the brain. Re-wiring the brain like this is called neuroplasticity. Interestingly, a feeling of frustration is the key to learning and nueroplasticity - it’s at that point the brain releases chemicals that help create change in the brain and body.
If this intrigues you, I recommend you check out the book The Brain That Changes Itself by Dr. Norman Doidge – it’s an engaging read about people with neurological conditions and the effects of neuroplasticity!
Pilates is not only a strategic movement system in itself but the exercises are also:
Low impact
Easy to modify for a range of levels and symptoms
Non-heating, which is very important for some neurological conditions
Building strength, mobility and balance – 3 things that are often heavily impacted by neurological conditions
Can these exercises be taught online?
Yes, yes and more yes! The goal of your movement sessions is to have you move better in your daily life activities such as getting up and down from the floor or a chair, walking, brushing your teeth, cooking, etc. The truth is that most of the time you won’t have an instructor available to give you feedback on your movement. It’s important to integrate your movement strategies into your day and online classes are an excellent way to save time on travel as well practice being self-sufficient in your daily movements.
Still unsure if it’ll work for your or your loved one? Book a free Discovery Call and we’ll figure it out together. Or give me a call or text to chat about it at (719) 822-5767.
Nicole
