Injury and Pain Management

Pilates for Back and Neck Pain
Pilates is renowned for its contributions to spine health and the reduction of back pain. Many people, when exercising, tend to over utilize rectus abdominus, the most superficial abdominal muscle. Due to the nature of its origins and insertions, it has no major role in back stabilization. With Pilates, the focus is on correctly accessing our core muscles. Exercises are also given to stretch out tight back muscles and strengthen the extensor muscles of the spine to counteract the forces of gravity which pull us into a hunched over position. (I refer to this position as the "Silicon Valley Slump" from too much computer time, driving etc.) Your posture and general carriage will improve with a resultant decrease in pain.

In my practice I see over-utilization of the upper trapezius and levator scapulae which can result in tight, sore neck muscles. I focus on strengthening the scapular and rotator cuff muscles to retrain the body to move efficiently without neck or upper back strain. Stretches for the back and neck are given in all sessions and proper alignment of the neck is monitored stringently.

Pilates for Foot Pain
We spend a lot of time on our feet, bearing the weight of our bodies. I teach exercises to strengthen the intrinsic muscles in the feet with a careful eye to alignment. If the client is suffering from foot pain, they may stand in such a way as to avoid putting stress on a particular area of the foot. This will have repercussions on the alignment of the knee, hip, back, etc. I try to establish a proper weightbearing stance and give your feet the stretching and strengthening necessary to keep them mobile and painfree.

Pilates for Shoulder and Knee Pain
When you are suffering from shoulder or knee pain, often strengthening and stretching the muscles that cross those joints helps to alleviate your symptoms. With Pilates, focus is not on strengthening muscles in isolation but on strengthening those muscles as we stabilize our body. We work the whole body as a functional unit, just like you use your body in real life!

I assess for muscle weakness, tightness, neural pathology and muscle imbalance and through a thorough program designed for your needs, we get you back on track.

"Teresa's skills as a pilates instructor epitomize the word excellence. Without a doubt, Teresa is the best exercise specialist I have ever worked with."
~ Dr. Shoshana Zimmerman ND

"Teresa was quickly able to ascertain the underlying body mechanics causing my discomfort, such as the way my foot pronates, the way I stand and the way I dance. Her integrated approach is a unique and masterful blend of science and art."
~ Cynthia Liu,  Stanford University