Your Core Can Give You More!
This week, as I continue to highlight Physical Therapy specialities, we are diving a little deeper into Pilates Based Physical Therapy (PBPT). Read on as Dr. Toy shares her expertise.
Dr. Erin Toy, DPT, CPI, MSCS
Dr. Toy received her Doctorate from UNC and is a Certified Pilates Instructor (CPI). She has been practicing pilates for over 15 years which she was introduced to through ballet. Her rigorous study for full certification was through The Pilates Center which required a 900+ hour commitment. She has been teaching Mat for 11 years and equipment for 8. In addition to being a full time Physical Therapist, she created, launched, and is director of the Pilates Based Physical Therapy program at Iron Butterfly in Charlotte, NC.
“Therapy can be fun! The PBPT method offers such a different way to treat other than traditional Physical Therapy. This program will help transition you into a lifelong commitment to movement and perhaps the joy of continuing with Pilates following your discharge from the PT program.” - Dr. Toy
📸credit: Wanda Koch
What is Pilates Based Physical Therapy (PBPT)?
PBPT is a holistic, patient centered approach to healing the physical body following an injury or surgery. PBPT uses traditional Physical Therapy interventions as well as the Pilates system to address a person’s individual physical limitations.
How can PBPT help me?
PBPT can help someone in multiple ways. Our goal is to help you gain more control over your body so you can address pain, weakness or balance. By improving your mind-body awareness you will move more efficiently and without limitation. Pilates Based Physical Therapy is suitable for a multitude of diagnoses including but not limited to:
low back pain
pre and post natal complications
foot and ankle pain
pelvic and spinal instability
shoulder pain
various post op orthopedic surgeries- total knees, hip replacements, rotator cuff surgeries etc.
neurological diagnoses such as MS
balance impairments
How are your skills able to help or fix these conditions?
We offer interventions that are more hands on such as manual work or we have very trained eyes to help promote your overall movement patterns. A large emphasis is usually on your core stabilization which can be such a root cause of many functional limitations. Our goal is to help you move efficiently and understand your own body better.
Why did you pursue this speciality?
I chose this speciality as I believe the Pilates method and equipment can offer patients more than traditional therapy can. The Pilates equipment's history is embedded in rehabilitation. The Pilates equipment can be used to support the most weakened body or it can offer an unbelievable challenge to a recovering athlete. The versatility in the Pilates exercises continues to fascinate me daily!
Meaningful Movement PBPT
Pilates was briefly introduced as an exercise modality during my DPT training, and when I worked for MedStar National Rehabilitation Hospital over 10 years ago, we had a reformer which I implemented into practice. It wasn’t until recently when I embarked on more formal training and self-study as well as practice that I realized prior I was only tapping into the surface potential of Pilates. Check out this Merrithew Blog where I was featured alongside other instructors around the world, sharing what I love about the reformer and how it has elevated my Physical Therapy practice.
Dr. Toy was one of the Physical Therapists who introduced Pilates Based Physical Therapy as a formal speciality and I am so grateful for her expertise. I chose to pursue a rehab based program through STOTT PILATES® for the reformer and in the future will expand to mat based as well. Come move with me at Meaningful Movement or with Dr. Toy at Iron Butterfly so we can help you fall in love with Pilates too!
