The Reformer: My Trusted Ally in the Chiropractic Office

Hi, I’m Dr. Orlando and I want to share a behind-the-scenes look at one of my favorite tools in the office—the reformer. If you’ve ever visited a modern chiropractic office, you’ve probably seen this piece of equipment towering near the wall, gliding on smooth wheels, offering a way for you to move in ways your body craves but often forgets. Here’s my perspective on what it is, how it works, why I value it so highly, and whether you can or should bring similar benefits home.

What is a reformer?

A reformer is a versatile Pilates-based piece of equipment that uses springs, a sliding carriage, straps, and bars to create resistance and support during exercises. In a chiropractor’s office, I often use it to:

·        Improve spinal mobility

·        Strengthen supporting muscles

·        Rebalance movement patterns

·        Alleviate pain and prevent recurrence

Even though it originated in Pilates, the reformer integrates well with clinical goals because it provides adjustable resistance and accommodates many body types and conditions.

How it works, in plain terms

Think of the reformer as a controllable resistance classroom for your spine and supporting muscles. Here’s a quick breakdown:

• The carriage glides along rails, offering smooth, controlled movement.

• Springs provide varying levels of resistance. The lighter springs allow gentle activation, while stronger springs challenge endurance and control.

• Straps and bars help you reach, pull, twist, and stabilize in multi-dimensional ways.

• Footbar and various positions give you leverage for different exercises.

When we perform reformer-based movements, we’re training:

Mobility: freeing up stiff joints and tight tissues

Stability: strengthening the deep core and spinal stabilizers

Postural awareness: aligning your head, shoulders, pelvis, and hips

Functional strength: building movement patterns you use in daily life

The beauty of the reformer is that it offers precise, quantifiable progress. I can adjust spring tensions, tweak positions, and guide you through exercises that target specific muscle groups without overloading your joints.

Why I really like it

Here are the reasons the reformer sits near the top of my toolbox:

Versatility: It adapts to beginners, athletes, post-surgical patients, and those dealing with chronic pain. We can modify range of motion, resistance, and speed to fit individual needs.

Controlled progression: The adjustable springs let me dose the effort. We can start with gentle activation and progressively increase difficulty as your strength and range improve.

Spinal-focused benefits: Many of our clients have issues centered around the spine—low back pain, neck tension, headaches, scoliosis, or postural misalignment. The reformer helps restore balance to the whole kinetic chain.

Neuromuscular re-education: By guiding you through precise movements, I can retrain your brain and muscles to work together more efficiently. That tends to reduce compensatory patterns that cause pain.

Postural payoffs: Improved alignment translates to less strain during daily activities and better performance in sports, work, and hobbies.

Low impact, high reward: For many patients, the reformer provides a safe way to challenge the body without jarring joints or compressive forces typical of some other exercises.

What a typical reformer session looks like in my office

Assessment: I start with a quick check of your posture, movement restrictions, and pain pattern.

Goal setting: We agree on realistic target outcomes—whether it’s reducing pain, improving mobility, or enhancing core stability.

Practical demonstrations: I show you how to set up the reformer for your plan, including spring selection and range of motion.

Guided exercises: We move through a curated sequence that emphasizes breath, alignment, and controlled tempo. You’ll learn how to engage the right muscles at the right times.

Progression and reassessment: We track changes in pain, range of motion, and functional ability, adjusting springs and exercises as needed.

Most sessions end with a self-management plan you can continue at your own pace, either in the office or as a gentle home routine when appropriate. 

Are there home products that work or is it best used in the office?

This is an important question. Here’s my take:

• Home devices exist, but they’re not interchangeable with clinic-grade reformers. You’ll find compact, consumer-grade Pilates reformers and resistance bands marketed for home use. They can be excellent for maintenance, light mobility work, and reinforcing basic patterns learned in the office.

• Quality matters. Home setups vary widely in their resistance systems, carriage smoothness, and overall ergonomics. A cheaper, lower-quality reformer can be frustrating and potentially unsafe if used without proper instruction.

• Clinical insight is key. The reformer I use in my office is calibrated for stability, smooth operation, and a specific spring range. I tailor spring tensions and exercises to your condition, which is hard to replicate precisely at home.

• Balanced approach works best. For most patients, I recommend a blended plan: regular office sessions for assessment, progression, and safety checks, plus a home program to reinforce gains on non-visit days.

If home use is appropriate for you, I’ll typically guide you on:

Safe starter exercises

How to adjust your own breathing and bracing

Signs that you should pause and seek a session (e.g., increased pain, dizziness, or felt joint instability)

A realistic schedule that fits your life while encouraging consistency

In some cases, I’ll refer you to a trusted at-home program that focuses on posture, core stability, and gentle mobility, while preserving the benefits you gain from in-office reformer work.

Frequently asked questions

Q: Can the reformer help with neck pain?

  A: Yes, when used in a controlled sequence that targets neck and upper back muscles, and with attention to posture and bracing. We always ensure the cervical spine is protected with proper alignment.

Q: I’m recovering from an injury. Is the reformer safe?

  A: It can be, but we tailor resistance and movements to your stage of healing. We also offer a variety of modalities depending upon where you are at in your recovery. Communication is key—tell me about any pain thresholds or medical restrictions.

Q: How often should I use it?

  A: It varies by condition, but many patients benefit from 1–2 focused sessions per week in the office, plus a short home routine on non-office days.

Q: Do you use other equipment with the reformer?

  A: Absolutely. I often combine reformer work with manual therapy, stabilization exercises, and functional movement patterns to create a comprehensive plan. 

Closing Thoughts From the Chair

The reformer is not just a gadget; it’s a thoughtful, responsive system that invites the body to move in ways it was designed to move—efficiently, safely, and with intention. It helps me guide patients toward durable improvements in posture, pain, and function. If you’re curious about whether the reformer could help you, I’m happy to chat about your goals, current symptoms, and daily routines to see if this approach fits into your personalized plan.