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Acta Scientific Orthopaedics (ISSN: 2581-8635)

Review Article Volume 8 Issue 10

Pilates: A Novel Approach to the Rehabilitation of Tendinopathies

Aikaterini P Sivrika1*, Panagiota Sivrika2, Efstratia Giannikou1, Demetris Lamnisos3, George Georgoudis1 and Dimitrios Stasinopoulos1

1Department of Physiotherapy, University of West Attica, Egaleo, Athens, Greece
2Freelancer Physiotherapist, Athens, Greece
3Department of Health Sciences, European University Cyprus, Cyprus

*Corresponding Author: Aikaterini P Sivrika, Department of Physiotherapy, University of West Attica, Egaleo, Athens, Greece.

Received: September 10, 2025; Published: October 10, 2025

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Abstract

Background/Objective: Tendinopathies are increasingly prevalent musculoskeletal disorders, affecting both athletes and the general population. Traditional rehabilitation approaches, such as eccentric and concentric exercises, have shown effectiveness but often face limitations due to patient compliance, high repetition demands and inadequate focus on psychological factors like kinesiophobia. In recent years, Pilates has emerged as a promising alternative, offering a holistic approach that integrates core stability, flexibility, neuromuscular control, and psychological benefits.

Methods: This narrative review explores the epidemiology of tendinopathy, its social and economic impact, traditional rehabilitation methods, and the potential of Pilates in managing these conditions. Emphasis is placed on the biomechanical advantages of Pilates. Pilates corrects movement patterns while closed kinetic chain exercises promote optimal tendon loading and reduce reinjury risk. Additionally, the mind-body connection fostered by Pilates appears to address psychological factors such as kinesiophobia, which significantly influence rehabilitation outcomes.

Results: Despite promising indications, the current research on Pilates for tendinopathy remains limited, with a lack of standardized protocols and high-quality randomized controlled trials. Future directions should focus on developing customized, evidence-based Pilates protocols to enhance the efficacy of tendinopathy management.

Conclusions: This review highlights the need for further research to validate Pilates as an alternative rehabilitation option for tendinopathy and the need of an international framework where certified Clinical Pilates Physiotherapists would ensure the safety and effectiveness of the rehabilitation regimens.

Keywords: Tendinopathy; Tendon Injuries; Rehabilitation; Exercise; Pilates

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Citation

Citation: Aikaterini P Sivrika., et al. “Pilates: A Novel Approach to the Rehabilitation of Tendinopathies"Acta Scientific Orthopaedics 8.10 (2025): 24-32.

Copyright

Copyright: © 2025 Aikaterini P Sivrika., et al. This is an open-access article distributed under the terms of the Creative Commons Attribution License, which permits unrestricted use, distribution, and reproduction in any medium, provided the original author and source are credited.




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