PILATES FOR BACK PAIN

Joseph Pilates, the founder of the Pilates method of exercise, referred to the muscles found in the lower back, lower abdomen, buttocks and pelvis as the ‘powerhouse’. Strengthening these ‘powerhouse’ muscles can not only avoid or reduce back pain and its associated problems, but the exercises can improve posture, which is vital for maintaining a healthy back.

Pilates exercises relieve back pain because they address the structural imbalances in your body that can lead to the pain. Pelvic instability, poor posture, lack of core support, muscular imbalances and lack of body awareness can all affect the back.

When you begin to perform Pilates exercises, you will be taught to focus on how the different parts of your body are aligned. When misaligned, uneven stress is placed on the skeleton and especially the spine. Pilates exercises pay special attention to this alignment and in time can relieve symptoms. A strong 'powerhouse' or core is vital to spinal health and stability - regular Pilates practice can make a world of difference to how you feel.

‘After persistent back problems earlier in the year I found Pilates exercises, in conjunction with sound orthopedic advice, to have been enormously beneficial. The exercises are now a daily routine for me and I am sure they are, in a large way responsible for me able to continue my cricketing career’. Mike Atherton (former England Cricket Captain) Quote taken from The Body Control Pilates Back Book by Lynne Robinson 2002

Please note, if you have a serious back problem, do take advice from a qualified practitioner (eg: Physiotherapist or your GP) before embarking on an exercise regime.

If you would like to have an informal chat with me about back pain and Pilates, do call or email.

‘I must be right. Never an aspirin. Never injured a day in my life. The whole country, the whole world, should be doing my exercises. They’d be happier.’ Joseph Hubertus Pilates, in 1965 aged 86

Harriet Angell YOUR TRAINING ANGEL email: harri@trainingangel.co.uk tel: 01628 475270 mob: 07779 410382