Pilates for musculoskeletal pain relief for all body types and ages

Pilates exercises are designed to work the whole-body generating movements from the core. They focus on 5 principle areas including; head placement, shoulder placement, rib cage placement, hip placement and breathing.

The journal of orthopaedic and sports physical therapy https://www.jospt.org/ recently released an article that stated that between 60 and 80% of people suffer from lower back pain at one point in their life. Of which 30-40% with acute lower back pain will never fully recover.

Other sources state that back pain is more likely to occur in women than in men and is seen more often as we age. These statistics show that as humans we are not naturally prone to lower back pain when we are young and (we can assume) healthy. Therefore, it is possible to argue that if we keep our spine young and healthy, we stand a better chance of avoiding lower back pain.

Over the years several reports have been published citing the positive effects of Pilates exercises to reduce and even eliminate back pain. The reports claim that Pilates improve core strength, improve range of movement, muscle symmetry, better flexibility, balance, co-ordination and reduce stress.

These reports are supported by the number of Physiotherapists and Osteopaths who have in the last 10 years have been advancing their skills and educating themselves to offer Pilates exercises. Many Physiotherapists and Osteopaths offers Pilates exercises as their preferred rehabilitation regime over more traditional rehabilitation exercises.

What we think…

At Simplybepilates and Osteopathy we have found that a combination of Pilates and Osteopathy gives our patients the best results. Both techniques share a common ideology in that the body will self- correct and therefore will self- heal. Both techniques also believe that the body acts as one element rather than parts and treat the body holistically.

Originally Pilates was offered as a form of rehabilitation by Joseph Pilates in a Hospital environment. Joseph Pilates then moved from ill people to highly trained individuals such as athletes and dancers. Helping people who work with their bodies offered Joseph Pilates a whole new perspective and modified his Pilates method accordingly. From here Pilates was again transformed, keeping the same principles but offered to the mass market. Pilates for fitness was born.

Back pain, or any type of pain in one’s neck, shoulder or knee can lead to a reduction of physical activity. Staying active is important to retain one’s health, especially if you have physical limitations. The NHS in the UK stresses that failure to exercise can lead to stiffness, weak bones and muscles, depression and lack of sleep. The NHS specifically promote “less stress” exercises such as swimming and Pilates. A lack of exercise can cause the physical condition not only to get worse, but it will feel worse physiologically. A positive mental attitude is essential to managing pain.

Pilates for musculoskeletal pain is now available to everyone and often it is not necessary to see a specialist to reduce your problem. Many people opt for group classes providing the pain is not chronic. Group Pilates classes are offered at almost all Pilates studios and a qualified Pilates instructor should be able to offer modifications for the Pilates exercises offered in your local Pilates class. At Simplybepilates and Osteopathy we offer reduced group class, at our Pilates studio in Barcelona, so that the teachers can offer modifications and care for people.

Joseph Pilates quoted that in 10 sessions you will feel the difference in your body and after 20 sessions you will see the difference. This is a famous quote by Joseph Pilates and in fact it is true. I can verify by my own experience as someone who has suffered from back pain due to a rectified spine, as well as a Pilates instructor.

I try to encourage people who come to my Pilates classes, whether private or group to attend two classes a week so that you and your body recognises the exercises fast. Pilates re-educates the body and once a week Pilates classes are over time more costly and leave you with your pain for longer. The longer we leave back ache or an injury the harder and timelier to recover.

For help with your chronic or acute pain contact us at here. Pilates for musculoskeletal pain . Your health clinic for Pilates, Osteopathy and Massage in a beautiful environment with friendly and caring professionals.