 Got a sore neck? A nagging back ache? You’re not alone. Consider this: nearly 80 percent of all Americans will have back pain at some point in their lives, according the American Academy of Orthopedic Surgeons. Back pain ranks second to the common cold as the main reason people see their physician. And it’s the third most frequent reason for having surgery.
So what’s the answer? If you were to ask Mukilteo physical therapist Tyra Malmborg-O’Kelley, she’d prescribe a strong dose of Pilates (pronounced puh-LAH-teez). “What sets me apart from other Pilates instructor is that I am a physical therapist and I have the knowledge, background and experience in working with injured people,” Malmborg-O’Kelley said. “When someone comes in stating they heard Pilates will help with an injury, I can quickly evaluate and assess what they need and direct them safely.”
The creator of this on-again, off-again craze Joe Pilates, immigrated to New York from Germany in 1926 where he opened a Pilates studio, which soon became popular with the dance community. Pilates became more mainstream in the last 10-15 years, primarily with the celebrity crowd, according to Malmborg-O’Kelley.
The therapeutic exercise focuses primarily on strengthening the core muscles around the truck of the body. It also utilizes the abdominal muscles, back muscles and scapular muscles. “The stronger your core muscles are, the more stability your spine has and the easier it is to move and perform functional activities.”
Pilates provides more support to the spine by creating space between each vertebra. The extra space not only makes you appear taller, it also creates more mobility and allows more flexibility to an otherwise stiff spine.
This new suppleness prevents degenerative spinal problems, such as slipped disks. “Pilates provides the essentials needed to restore functional movement, which is the same principles of physical therapy,” Malmborg-O’Kelley said. With nearly 20 years of experience treating patients, Malmborg-O’Kelley became a certified Pilates trainer two years ago after she completed a one-year, 600-hour program.
“My experience in physical therapy has led me to appreciate and value the importance of exercise for all types of people,” Malmborg-O’Kelley said. The switch between physical therapy and Pilates is proving seamless. In fact, most of Malmborg-O’Kelley’s clients are former physical therapy patients.
“My clients have recognized the benefits of Pilates,” she said. “And they want to continue benefiting from Pilates for overall health.”
Malmborg-O’Kelly teaches one-on-one, 55-minute sessions, using equipment and mat routines. She’s certified to teach exercise routines from beginning through advanced.
For more information call Evergreen Physical Therapy Center & Pilates Studio 425-252-1642 , 5029 Evergreen Way, Everett WA 98203.
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