[written by Loan Cao]
At Tandem Physical Therapy here in Metairie, Louisiana, we’re not just focused on helping you recover, we’re focused on helping you thrive. As the only orthopedic physical therapy clinic in the New Orleans and Kenner area that integrates Pilates into the rehabilitation process, we believe healing should go beyond treating symptoms.
It’s about restoring strength, improving movement, and giving you the confidence to get back to doing what you love. So why do we pair Pilates with physical therapy? The answer is simple: it works and it works for everybody
Pilates isn’t just a trendy workout, it was originally created as a rehabilitation method. Joseph Pilates, the founder of the method, developed it during World War I to help injured soldiers regain strength and mobility while they were bedridden. Using springs from hospital beds, he designed exercises that focused on controlled movement, proper alignment, and core strength, all principles that remain central to Pilates today.
At Tandem, we honor those roots. By combining modern physical therapy with the principles of Pilates, we give our patients a powerful, science-backed approach to recovery that’s just as effective now as it was a century ago.
One of the biggest reasons we love Pilates as part of rehab is that it’s low-impact, which means it’s easy on the joints while still being incredibly effective. That makes it ideal for people dealing with chronic conditions like back pain, arthritis, or even neurological conditions such as Parkinson’s.
It’s also a fantastic option for older adults who want to stay active and independent without putting unnecessary strain on their bodies. Pilates focuses on controlled, precise movements that improve strength, flexibility, balance, and posture. These improvements translate into everyday life – from bending down to tie your shoes to carrying groceries or playing with your grandkids.
We know trying something new can feel intimidating, especially if you’re unfamiliar with the equipment or recovering from an injury. That’s why we offer private Pilates sessions at Tandem. These one-on-one sessions are designed to help you learn the fundamentals, get comfortable with the equipment, and move at a pace that feels right for you.
Once you feel confident, you might choose to join one of our group classes (book HERE). These classes are filled with encouraging, like-minded people, and many of them are past physical therapy patients themselves. It’s an inspiring environment where you’ll find support, motivation, and maybe even a few new friends.
At Tandem Physical Therapy, our approach is different because we know that recovery isn’t one-size-fits-all. Our team of certified Doctors of Physical Therapy and Physical Therapist Assistants use Pilates not just as exercise, but as a powerful rehabilitation tool that meets you where you are and helps you get where you want to go.
Whether you’re healing from an injury, managing a chronic condition, or simply wanting to move and feel better, we’re here to guide you every step of the way.
If you’re interested in booking your next Pilates class with us, check out the Book a Class Page HERE for more information. Discover firsthand how physical therapy can compliment Pilates, and vise versa.
