Physical Therapy Meets Pilates

“Everyone will benefit from doing Pilates,” says Varsha Pohuja, the director of physical therapy at Seaview Orthopedics, with locations in Freehold and Ocean Township (732.660.6200, seaviewortho.com). “In Pilates, you use your mind to control your muscles, and the method helps you improve flexibility and strength.”

“Everyone will benefit from doing Pilates,” says Varsha Pohuja, the director of physical therapy at Seaview Orthopedics, with locations in Freehold and Ocean Township (732.660.6200, seaviewortho.com). “In Pilates, you use your mind to control your muscles, and the method helps you improve flexibility and strength.” And she’s not the only PT who’s turning to this popular fitness practice. According to Jennifer Gamboa, a physical therapist and spokesperson for the American Physical Therapy Association, “in the last 10 years, the popularity of incorporating Pilates moves into physical therapy practices has really grown. It’s such a good match to help clients train their abs and protect their lower backs.”

Want to increase your core strength and alleviate lower back or hip pain? Pohuja suggests a move called the Scoop:
Lie flat on your back with both knees bent and your feet flat on the ground, knees and feet in line with your hips.
Place the palm of your hand underneath your lower back.

• Tighten your abs and gently push your back down toward your hand, doing a small pelvic tilt movement.
• Hold for 10 seconds; breathe deeply and evenly.
• Relax and release for 30 seconds, then repeat 7‑8 times.
• Do it daily for best results.