People who have a rheumatic condition such as osteoarthritis, rheumaroid arthritis or hand arthritis will probably work with a local rheumatologist. A local rheumatologist is a physician who specializes in treating inflammatory disorders, including gout, ankylosing spondylosis, scleroderma, pseudogout and osteoarthritis. Some people who work with a local rheumatologist may also benefit from working with a local Pilates instructor. Pilates is a type of fitness that was invented by Joseph Pilates during World War I. Joseph Pilates was in an internment camp, and he shared his fitness program with other injured detainees to help them improve balance and mobility. Pilates exercise led by a local Pilates instructor involves using a mat or special equipment to do core strengthening exercises. Some examples of Pilates exercises include leg lifts, Breathing, side leg lifts, planks, mountain climbers and scissor kicks. Some patients with rheumatic conditionssuch as systemic lupus erythematosus experience reduced joint pain and improved posture, flexibility and balance after doing Pilates exercise. Whether you’re in rehabilitation for a back injury or want to manage your psoriatic arthritis with exercise, if you think that a local Pilates instructor could benefit your fitness program, talk to your local family physician or local rheumatologist to see if it’s a good option for you.