Although I believe pilates is beneficial for each and every one of us, each sport will benefit from using certain pilates exercises more so than others. 

Running places very specific demands on the body and even though runners may experience a variety of injuries, some are more common than others.  Achilles tendinopathies, iliotibial band syndrome (ITBS), patellofemoral pain syndrome (PFPS) and shin splints are to name just a few. 

How can pilates help?  When there is neither a traumatic event resulting in an injury or an obvious change in training (i.e.  increase distance too soon, a full weekend of hills and more hills, running without ones orthotics, ect.) chronic muscle imbalances are largely to blame.  This is where pilates is invaluable.  Once a physiotherapist has assessed what the problem is, specific pilates exercises can then be used to correct the problematic area.

For example, let's take a simple look at ITBS.  Oftentimes, the muscles on the front of the hip (tensor fascia lata or ITB) are overused and the muscles on the back of the hip (posterior gluteus medius) underused.  The tight, overused muscles may pull on the outside of the knee causing improper tracking of the patella (kneecap) and pain either closer to the knee or further up by the hip.  Physiotherapy can help mobilize the kneecap and stretch the tight lateral retinaculum (tissue on the outside of the knee).  Pilates will retrain the proper use of the posterior hip muscles and not allow the ITB to become overworked. 

So for all of you chronically tight runners out there, give pilates a chance to help prevent muscle imbalance injuries and to keep you on the road and in the trails!

Cathy Watson is a Physiotherapist and Stott Pilates Instructor at Cathy Watson Physiotherapy 604.985.2629

Copyright North Shore Magazine Issue Dec 06 - Jan 07