Can Pilates Help Back Pain?
Back pain is one of the most common medical problems reported around the world.
It is estimated that 85% of the population will experience back pain at some point in their lives.
Those most at risk of developing lower back injuries and pain are people who are overweight or inactive; who spend a lot of time sitting at work; or whose jobs require them to lift, twist and bend.
Once you experience back pain once, you are likely to experience it again in your life.
The most common cause is poor posture and body mechanics in the workplace.
Pilates is an innovative system of mind-body exercise evolved from the principles of Joseph Pilates.
It teaches body awareness, good posture and easy, graceful movement.
The Pilates method of exercise is based on six fundamental principles; Concentration, Centring, Control, Precision, Breathing and flow.
People with low back pain tend to have weaker lower back stability muscles.
The deep abdominal muscles (particularly Transverse Abdominis) are responsible for providing stability to the lower back and therefore preventing pain and injury.
Retraining and strengthening this muscle when you do have pain has been proven to decrease pain and improve function.
The Pilates method of exercise is based around developing awareness and activation of the deeper core muscles, therefore helping in reducing and preventing pain.
Research supports the effectiveness of Pilates exercise for low-back pain.
According to a small, randomized, controlled study published in the Journal of Orthopaedic & Sports Physical Therapy (2006; 36 [7], 472-84), participants who practiced Pilates over a 4-week period experienced more relief from their symptoms than those who went through typical treatment programs.
It is always a good idea to check with your doctor or physiotherapist before starting any exercise program if you have any back problems.
Some exercises, if performed incorrectly, may aggravate your pain.
If you do suffer from back pain, it is essential to receive individual and specific instruction by a Physiotherapist or Qualified Pilates instructor.
Large classes are not advised if you have back pain, Clinical Pilates or studio Pilates with smaller classes will ensure you get the individual attention you need.
Certain exercises will not be appropriate for all people with back pain.
Most people will have certain positions and movements that will ease the pain and others that will make the pain worse.
It is therefore essential to have a detailed assessment by a physiotherapist or qualified instructor to find which exercises are going to be the most effective in reducing your pain.
For example back pain from a budging disc may be made worse with bending, so bending exercises and movements such as sit-ups should be avoided.
Correct sitting, standing and lifting posture can greatly reduce the stresses going through the discs, muscles and ligaments of your lower back and can therefore help prevent injury and pain.
The Pilates method of exercises helps strengthen the muscles needed to maintain good posture.
Prolonged sitting is often a cause of back pain.
When sitting in a relaxed position, either driving long distances or at your desk at work, most people tend to slump or slouch in their chairs.
The Pilates method teaches concepts such as neutral spine and will increase body awareness, allowing you to maintain correct sitting posture.
Pilates is a form of exercise based on strengthening the deeper abdominal muscles, therefore increasing lower back stability.
When practiced under close guided supervision by a trained professional, Pilates can help reduce back pain.
It is estimated that 85% of the population will experience back pain at some point in their lives.
Those most at risk of developing lower back injuries and pain are people who are overweight or inactive; who spend a lot of time sitting at work; or whose jobs require them to lift, twist and bend.
Once you experience back pain once, you are likely to experience it again in your life.
The most common cause is poor posture and body mechanics in the workplace.
Pilates is an innovative system of mind-body exercise evolved from the principles of Joseph Pilates.
It teaches body awareness, good posture and easy, graceful movement.
The Pilates method of exercise is based on six fundamental principles; Concentration, Centring, Control, Precision, Breathing and flow.
People with low back pain tend to have weaker lower back stability muscles.
The deep abdominal muscles (particularly Transverse Abdominis) are responsible for providing stability to the lower back and therefore preventing pain and injury.
Retraining and strengthening this muscle when you do have pain has been proven to decrease pain and improve function.
The Pilates method of exercise is based around developing awareness and activation of the deeper core muscles, therefore helping in reducing and preventing pain.
Research supports the effectiveness of Pilates exercise for low-back pain.
According to a small, randomized, controlled study published in the Journal of Orthopaedic & Sports Physical Therapy (2006; 36 [7], 472-84), participants who practiced Pilates over a 4-week period experienced more relief from their symptoms than those who went through typical treatment programs.
It is always a good idea to check with your doctor or physiotherapist before starting any exercise program if you have any back problems.
Some exercises, if performed incorrectly, may aggravate your pain.
If you do suffer from back pain, it is essential to receive individual and specific instruction by a Physiotherapist or Qualified Pilates instructor.
Large classes are not advised if you have back pain, Clinical Pilates or studio Pilates with smaller classes will ensure you get the individual attention you need.
Certain exercises will not be appropriate for all people with back pain.
Most people will have certain positions and movements that will ease the pain and others that will make the pain worse.
It is therefore essential to have a detailed assessment by a physiotherapist or qualified instructor to find which exercises are going to be the most effective in reducing your pain.
For example back pain from a budging disc may be made worse with bending, so bending exercises and movements such as sit-ups should be avoided.
Correct sitting, standing and lifting posture can greatly reduce the stresses going through the discs, muscles and ligaments of your lower back and can therefore help prevent injury and pain.
The Pilates method of exercises helps strengthen the muscles needed to maintain good posture.
Prolonged sitting is often a cause of back pain.
When sitting in a relaxed position, either driving long distances or at your desk at work, most people tend to slump or slouch in their chairs.
The Pilates method teaches concepts such as neutral spine and will increase body awareness, allowing you to maintain correct sitting posture.
Pilates is a form of exercise based on strengthening the deeper abdominal muscles, therefore increasing lower back stability.
When practiced under close guided supervision by a trained professional, Pilates can help reduce back pain.