Pilates And Back Pain

Back pain is one of the most complaints that doctors report hearing from their patients. It now appears that the popular fitness trend pilates can help ease this common ailment. Recent research shows that the tension and soreness associated with back pain can be eased significantly through the practice of pilates.

Pilates, research shows, can help with the neutral alignment of the spine and can help strengthen the muscles that support proper posture. This in turn can help ameliorate much of the pain associated with back problems. Fundamentally, the underlying principles of pilates have been found to be advantageous for a number of common back problems.

Pilates can also improve overall back pain, including improved postural symmetry, circulation, and joint and muscle strength. When your posture is improved, your back muscles receive less tension, resulting in less wear and tear on the intervertebral joints and discs.

Your muscles become stronger and suppler, your movements become more fluid, and your body becomes more efficient in dealing with stress and tension. Pilates can teach you greater awareness of how your body moves and can help you change any bad habits that may be hurting your back.

Treating Back Pain With Pilates

When it comes to treating back pain, one of the most important things that you can do is to speak to a doctor about your problem. There are some cases of spinal injury that can not be aided by the use of Pilates, and it’s important to discuss the issue with your doctor before beginning an exercise regimen.

If you’re given the all-clear for using Pilates exercise to aid the problem, however, it is of utmost significance that you do in fact undertake the program. It’s one of the best methods available for helping back pain, as it’s a gentle form of exercise that doesn’t require much physical exertion, limiting the possibility of problems arising that may actually cause more harm.

If possible, try to find a Pilates instructor with experience in working with back pain patients. Make sure the instructor understands your particular back problems before even beginning a program.

Remember, although Pilates can be particularly tailored for just about anyone, it is significant that you receive one on one instruction, particularly if you are a beginner. To the untrained eye, Pilates appears gentle and easy to do. But if done incorrectly, certain Pilates movements can exacerbate your back pain and actually cause serious injury.

Pilates And Physical Therapy

Some back patients use Pilates in conjunction with professional physical therapy treatment. Patients report increased flexibility, decreased pain, improved circulation, and improved posture from a program that combines pilates and conventional physical therapy. Make certain that your therapist is aware that you are also taking part in a pilates exercise program, and vice versa.

This can help ensure that you do not place too much stress on your body by overexerting yourself. Overexertion can lead to even more problems, even though you may not feel the effects immediately.

In some cases, your physical therapist may outline certain movements and principles that are important for your particular case. Speak with your pilates instructor about your physical therapists instructions, if there are any.

Pilates Back Exercises

There are two types of pilates back exercises that are employed in the pilates program: they are exercises that are performed on a mat and exercises that are performed through the use of specialized pilates equipment.

Mat work is the most commonly performed type of pilates, and it incorporates the use of a mat to aid the comfort of the workout. These exercises generally focus on a strengthening of the trunk and the hip, with added spine flexibility occurring as a side-effect of performing the exercises.

The use of pilates equipment is also beneficial to those who have a back problem, and one can usually find a class locally that allows for use of pilates equipment without having to purchase it all on your own.