Rehabilitation services at Move Clinics

REHABILITATION
Rehabilitation is a very broad topic and will be different for each
person and condition. Rehabilitation relates to restoring normal
movement and control by improving muscle function. Usually
this involves switching on small muscles (the local muscle
system) which stabilise individual
joints by controlling sliding
movements. This allows the
larger muscles (global muscle
system) to control large
movements and forces placed
on the body during activity.

Pilates is very popular now in rehab as a functional,
progressive and dynamic method of retraining muscle function.
Move Pilates has a wide range of Pilates equipment
(reformers, trapeze and combo chairs) and matwork classes
with small numbers and experienced instructors. The value of
pilates comes from accurate movements which requires close
supervision as a result larger classes following generic scripts
are little more than expansive aerobics classes.

High level sports specific rehab - involves restoring and
improving on previous levels of function. Proprioceptive
retraining and plyometric exercise are key features of high
level rehab.

Proprioception is our ability to determine where we are in
space and our ability to control of our position ie, the position
of our joints in relation to our body, the immediate environment
particularly the ground, opponents and equipment such as a
ball. The classic example of proprioception training is balance
retraining following a sprained ankle, where we retrain the
supporting muscles of the lower limb to control the movements
efficiently, preventing us from falling. Initially we have large
movements but as we become more efficient at feeling and
responding to changes in position, adjustments become
smaller. Further examples include knowing where our feet and
ball are when dribbling a football or knowing where the end of
the club is at golf.

Plyometrics refers to the rapid loading of the muscle and
tendon which places a quick stretch on the muscle fibres
resulting in increased force production and the ability of the
connective tissue to load rapidly and store energy for rapid
release. This ability is essential in converting strength into
power and speed. This is important in athletic performance but
also in responding to large forces which are applies to the
body.