Ep. 48: Pilates and Physical Therapy, Movement Besties-A Conversation with Amanda McGee, DPT

If you’ve ever dealt with an injury or chronic pain, you know the frustration of trying to find the right solution. Should you see a physical therapist? Would Pilates be a better fit? Or do you need both?

In this episode of Modern Body: Pilates & Movement for Life, Aly DiRoma welcomes physical therapist and Pilates instructor Amanda McGee to break down the differences and connections between these two approaches. With a shared background in dance, they explore how Pilates and PT can complement each other, why some people see better results from one over the other, and how to make an informed decision based on your needs.

Amanda shares her own story of transitioning from dancer to physical therapist after a devastating injury—a journey that revealed the power of movement, recovery, and the importance of understanding how the body works. Together, she and Aly discuss why traditional physical therapy can sometimes feel limiting, how Pilates helps bridge the gap, and why the best approach to healing is often a combination of both.

In This Episode:

• Amanda’s personal journey from dancer to physical therapist
• The injury that changed Amanda’s career path
• How Pilates and physical therapy work together (instead of competing)
• Why Pilates is an incredible tool for post-rehab recovery
• The limitations of traditional PT models and how Pilates fills the gap
• How to know when you need a physical therapist vs. a Pilates instructor
• What manual therapy, dry needling, and myofascial release bring to the table
• How Pilates builds foundational strength to prevent future injuries
• Why movement diversity is the key to longevity

“I tell my clients: Pilates isn’t here to replace physical therapy, but it’s an incredible bridge that keeps you moving beyond rehab. It picks up where PT leaves off and ensures you continue progressing in a sustainable way.” — Aly DiRoma

If you’ve ever wondered whether you need physical therapy, Pilates, or a little of both, this episode will help you navigate the best approach for your body.

Try Pilates for Yourself-If you’re curious about how Pilates can help you move with ease and without pain, check out the Modern Body Online Studio! Movement Maps and catalog searches can help you find classes that will build strength and mobility in specific body areas. Visit the Modern Body Online Studio for a free 7-day trial, offering over 300 classes designed for all seasons and stages of life. https://modernbody.uscreen.io/

And if you want a deep exploration and understanding of how the Modern Body Method works to support you throughout the seasons of the year, and the seasons of your life, then get your copy of the Modern Mover’s Guide. It makes a great companion to your Modern Body membership if you are already part of the community. And if you aren’t a Modern Mover yet, the Modern Mover’s Guide is a great place to begin your journey. https://modernmoversguide.com/guide

Connect with Aly DiRoma: https://link.me/alydiroma

Find Amanda McGee: https://p3nashville.com/clinic-info/our-staff/amanda-mcpeek/, on Instagram @amanda_mcgee1