HOLISTIC PRACTICE
PHILOSOPHY
Dawn-Marie Ickes brings over 30 years of expertise in Pilates to her holistic practice, emphasizing the interconnectedness of mind, body, and spirit. A commitment to integrative wellness is reflected in personalized plans that blend evidence-based Pilates with complementary therapies to treat the whole person, not just symptoms. We create a compassionate and collaborative healing environment, empowering individuals to achieve optimal health and well-being through prevention, education, and lifelong wellness habits. Our range of services includes Pilates one-on-one sessions and classes, physical therapy, craniosacral therapy, visceral manipulation, and pelvic health interventions. These practices are aimed at restoring balance, reconnecting the body with the mind, and re-educating movement patterns for improved longevity and vitality. We also offer strategic lifestyle coaching and education courses tailored to meet the unique needs of every person, providing a comprehensive approach to fitness, health, and overall well-being.
"When you touch one thing with deep awareness,
you touch everything."
- Lao Tzu
PILATES
VISCERAL MANIPULATION
Using an integrative approach to Pilates emphasizes precise, mindful movements that improve strength, often blending traditional Pilates with other healing modalities or therapeutic goals. This approach focuses on balancing physical health with mental and emotional balance.
Occasionally, excessive use of muscle groups, repetitive movements, injuries, strains, or accidents can lead to internal tension on organs and their connections, resulting in discomfort or pain in muscles, connective tissue, or the skeletal framework. Through visceral (organ system) techniques, our therapists gently improve organ mobility and tissue movement, alleviating pain and fostering the body's innate healing mechanisms
PHYSICAL THERAPY
PELVIC HEALTH
Central to our comprehensive approach to wellness are the core principles of physical therapy. These encompass a range of techniques including ultrasound, laser therapy, electrical stimulation, body mechanics, deep tissue massage, as well as applications of heat, ice, and medical fitness strategies
Pelvic health therapy focuses on addressing conditions related to the pelvic region, including pelvic pain, incontinence, and postpartum recovery. Specialized physical therapists use techniques like manual therapy, biofeedback, and exercises to improve pelvic floor function, alleviate symptoms, and enhance overall quality of life for women
Pilates Pro Bono Clinic & Lab at MSMU
The Pilates Outreach Training Series is designed to guide the development of DPT students opting into the Pilates Pro Bono Clinic (PPBC) at MSMU as a service-learning-based experience. This experience is a 12-month commitment whereby DPT students who have completed their Pilates courses participate in teaching Pilates Group Reformer and Mat classes as well as 1:1 private instruction under the mentorship of Dr. Ickes. Research in the MSMU Pilates ProBono Studio explores the connection between breathwork and a variety of Pilates-based applications for movement restoration.