In 2020, I joined a case study project led by Elizabeth Larkam & Madeline Black where 30 Pilates teachers engaged in 6-week case studies and submitted their reports for a collaborative publication on the effects of Pilates programming on different health conditions like osteoporosis, Parkinson’s disease, Long COVID, etc. 

Naturally, I studied one of my SCI clients and contributed the chapter on “Pilates and Spinal Cord Injuries: Effect on Gait.”

These brainstorm-like notes are NOT included in the publication, but feel incredibly important for those looking to implement a similar program. I hope this article helps you consider your client cases with more strategic planning.

Most traditional SCI rehab equipment locks the body into a narrow plane of movement. It’s designed to keep people safe—but that often comes at the expense of dynamic, self-directed exploration. In rehab, that’s a big loss.

So when I got a taste of what Pilates equipment could offer—both for my SCI clients’ bodies and my own— it clicked. By contrast, Pilates equipment creates opportunity.

This article is meant to help the spinal cord injury community (therapists, caregivers, and individuals alike) learn how to optimize Pilates equipment for SCI rehab. Whether you’re outfitting a clinic or creating an adaptive home setup, the goal is to make informed, functional choices.