Reforming Frankland

With the vision for Frankland Centre to become a more rehabilitation focused facility in the near future, there has been a significant push to offer the patients more diverse and engaging programs to assist with their potential transition back into the community.

The Exercise Physiology department has had a significant boost in the last few months as they were able to replace and upgrade the majority of the old exercise equipment within the Frankland Centre. This upgrade to the facilities, has allowed the two Exercise Physiologist’s (AEP), Stephen and Tony, to offer more clinical and rehabilitation focused exercise to the patients than they were able to provide previously. The main catalyst for this change is the purchase of a Pilates Reformer which has become an instant success and hit with the patients.

The reformer was invented by Pilates founder Joseph Pilates. It is a bed-like frame with a flat platform on it, called the carriage, which slides back and forth on a track within the frame. The carriage is attached to one end of the frame by a set of springs which can be taken off and on to change the resistance. Possibly the most exciting aspect of a Pilates Reformer is that it is suitable to a variety of fitness and injury levels, from beginner through to advanced, and it can offer amazing results and outcomes for the individuals. As there is no high impact, jarring, or stress to your body, the reformer offers the ideal form of exercise for people who, because of joint pain or muscle weakness, shy away from exercise. The workouts are fun and enjoyable and can be tailored to suit individuals by incorporating various core exercises that help tone and strengthen your mid-section, as well as stabilize and support your spine and back to allow for improved postural alignment.

Two of our female patients are enjoying the opportunity to train on the Pilates reformer and are attending sessions most days of the week. They have shown a strong eagerness to learn and an enthusiasm in using the reformer under the skilled direction of the AEP’s. Both have stated that they really enjoy and look forward to the sessions, having noticed improvements in their core strength and a decrease in joint pain. The patients had the following things to say about their experience using the Pilates reformer;

“The Pilates machine allows us to work on our post baby bodies while having a fun time doing the exercise which is great for our mental health. Our two Exercise Physiologists are fantastic in teaching and guiding us through the reformer exercises. The program is helping improve our breathing, posture and balance and we are excited to see the continued improvements in the future.

and

“The Pilates machine is helping strengthen and improve my aching knee. I enjoy using it as I can still experience good results even with my lower fitness levels.”

The Pilates reformer has added a new and exciting opportunity for patients here at the Frankland Centre and has already proven to be a popular choice of exercise. With continued support and encouragement from the AEPs and other Frankland staff the Pilates program will continue to strengthen and provide our longer-term patients with an enjoyable and functional rehabilitation exercise program.