Physical Therapy

About Pilates-Based Physical Therapy

Pilates-Based Physical Therapy (PBPT) at InsideOut is an approach to healing grounded in the moving body. We assess and treat the whole person - not just an injury or symptom - through Pilates exercises and traditional physical therapy methods. At IOBT, we are particularly adept at identifying and correcting problematic postural and movement patterns that can cause you pain. We believe that you can feel better when you move better.

PBPT Benefits

PBPT encourages you to take an active role in your recovery. You'll be asked to learn and engage in new ways of moving, of listening to your body, and of taking care of yourself. As an active participant, your benefits will be maximized and your healing time shortened. As you learn to listen to your body more attentively, future injury can also be prevented. We will teach you the skills you need to maintain your gains once treatment has ended. If you are interested, we can also help you incorporate Pilates classes and/or individualized Pilates lessons into your everyday, post-treatment life. Our clients have successfully used PBPT to treat:

• Acute and chronic low back pain
• Sciatica
• Overuse injuries
• Tendonitis
• Headaches and neck pain
• Repetitive stress disorders
• Foot and ankle pain
• Postural issues
• Pelvic and spinal instability
• Shoulder pain
• Women's health issues
• Orthopedic injuries
• Neurological and balance disorders
• Scoliosis

Pilates Equipment

Today's spring-loaded Pilates equipment has evolved over the decades to facilitate recovery from a variety of different injuries and coordination difficulties. Spring tension gives the body proprioceptive feedback, which in turn stimulates the gravity orientation (or postural) system. Effective and appropriate stabilization and sequencing can then be trained so that these new skills are easily integrated into your daily life. Many Pilates exercises are performed lying down on the equipment which can facilitate a gentle progression from non-weight-bearing to full weight-bearing activities. When you have success with movement and a positive movement experience, you can shift the perception that movement causes pain.

Pilates equipment is versatile, allowing for many different body types, sizes, and conditions to be comfortably accommodated. At IOBT, we use: The Reformer The Cadillac or Trapeze Table The Low (Wunda) Chair The Ladder Barrel The Foot Corrector The Ped-o-Pull The Pole System Schedule an Appointment Please call the studio (919.361.0104) or email us to schedule an appointment.

Frequently Asked Questions

• How is PBPT different from other forms of physical therapy?
• Who are the Pilates-Based Physical Therapists at IOBT?
• How much do sessions cost and how long do they last?
• What can I expect in a PBPT session?
• What should I wear?
• What do I need to bring to the session?
• How long will I need to be in physical therapy?
• Can I continue Pilates after I finish physical therapy?
• Can I be seen without a physician's referral?
• Do you file insurance for physical therapy?
• Does IOBT offer training in PBPT?

Q: How is PBPT different from other forms of physical therapy?

A: PBPT at IOBT is founded on the idea that a small, patient-centered, movement-oriented approach to physical therapy can offer patients an unrivaled possibility for healing. PBPT is grounded in the therapeutic movements and techniques of classical Pilates as well as traditional physical therapy modalities.

If you have ever experienced traditional physical therapy, you will notice immediately that things are very different at IOBT:

• You will always be seen by one primary therapist for the full course of your treatment.
• The time of treatment is agreed upon by the therapist and patient and varies from 30-90 minutes of one-on-one care.
• Most therapeutic exercises are performed on our Pilates equipment.
• Our rehabilitation exercise programs are individualized to your specific interests and needs.
• We give you the time and attention you need in order to assure specific muscle groups are being used correctly and in proper sequence in order to prevent potentially harmful movement patterns.
• You will become an active participant in your care through education about maintenance and injury prevention, allowing you to gain maximum benefit from physical therapy and giving you the ability to maintain strength and flexibility long after therapy ends.

We know that in this managed healthcare environment, time and money are both limited. At IOBT, we spend the quality time necessary to treat our patients effectively and efficiently. We will take the time to listen to you and assess your condition accurately. Then, we will create and personally guide you through an individualized, multi-disciplinary treatment plan that is interesting, challenging, efficient, and effective.

We understand you have many options for your rehabilitation, but we believe you will find the quality of care and level of personal attention provided at IOBT to be unsurpassed.

Q: Who are the Pilates-Based Physical Therapists at InsideOut?

A: Mischa Abshire, PT, DPT, OCS, PMA-CPT and Megan Mortensen, PT, DPT

Q: How much do sessions cost and how long will they last?

A: Please visit our Pricing Page for complete pricing information.

Q: What can I expect in a PBPT session?

A: The initial physical therapy session will include a thorough hands-on evaluation of the joints and soft tissues involved, as well as a full postural and movement analysis during which asymmetries, alignment issues, and movement patterns will be assessed. Dr. Abshire will communicate her observations and develop an individualized plan of care to address her assessment as well as your goals and concerns.

During your course of physical therapy the following modalities and techniques may be used in addition to Pilates:

• Manual therapy techniques such as soft tissue work and joint mobilizations.
• Ultrasound, electrical stimulation, and heat and ice therapies to decrease pain, increase tissue healing, improve muscle contraction, and decrease inflammation.

Q: What should I wear?

A: Most patients are comfortable in standard workout wear such as shorts, leggings, tanks tops, tees, etc. Your clothing should be breathable and allow full range of movement, therefore, street wear such as jeans or tailored clothing is not recommended. If you are sensitive to air-conditioning, you may opt to layer a sweatshirt over a tank or tee. Pilates is done in bare or sock feet.

Q: What do I need to bring to the session?

A: At IOBT, we provide everything you will need for your Pilates-Based Physical Therapy sessions.

Q: How long will I need to be in physical therapy?

A: The length of a physical therapy treatment plan is highly individualized and depends on the specific diagnosis of each patient. Most patients receive therapy twice a week for four-six weeks, but this can vary based on need.

Q: Can I continue Pilates after I finish physical therapy?

A: Upon completion of your PBPT plan of care, we can help you transition into classes and/or individualized Pilates lessons. This will allow you to continue the strengthening and healing process and maintain the benefits you attained during physical therapy.

Q: Can I be seen without a physician's referral?

A: Yes. If you would like to be evaluated without a physician's referral, you may be treated unless the therapist feels there is a need for further diagnostic testing or evaluation. If you are under the direct care of a physician, Dr. Abshire will send her findings to your physician.

If you are planning on filing with your insurance company, it is important to determine whether your insurance company requires a doctor's referral in order to be seen by a physical therapist. Although a referral is not required by the state, some insurance companies require a physician referral in order to reimburse you for physical therapy services.

Q: Do you file insurance for physical therapy?

Dr. Abshire and Dr. Mortensen are in-network providers with Blue Cross Blue Shield (BCBS). The patient is responsible for his or her co-payment at the time of service, and IOBT will file the claim with BCBS. We do not file claims with other insurance companies, but we will provide everything you need to do so yourself. We provide you with the claim form and itemized bill to make filing as simple as possible. You may not file a claim yourself if you are a Medicare patient.

If you are planning on filing your own insurance, it is important to determine whether your insurance company requires a doctor's referral in order to be seen by a physical therapist. Although it is not a requirement by the state, some insurance companies require a physician referral in order to reimburse you for physical therapy services.

Q: Does IOBT offer training in PBPT?

A: IOBT offers The Pliates Center Teacher Training Program. Please contact Mischa Abshire for information on how to tailor that program for a PT interested in becoming a Pilates-based PT.