Benefits of Pilates for Back Pain
Back pain. Believe it or not, 70 to 90 percent of Australians will suffer from it at some point in their lives. In 2014, for
example, the Federal Government estimated 3.7 million Australians reporting back problems. The common nature of back pain doesn’t mean you should learn to live with it, however. In fact, you may be surprised to learn how simple treatments such as Pilates could drastically improve pain levels.
This blog explains the benefits of Pilates as a treatment for back pain. For personalised health advice, contact our team at Northern Districts Physiotherapy and Sports Clinic today.
What is Pilates?
Pilates is a system of exercises designed to improve strength, flexibility, posture, and mental awareness. It is all about reinforcing the importance of the mind in controlling all body movements. The exercises will strengthen your core muscles, allowing you to move with much greater control and balance. And, because of its low-risk and non-invasive nature, Pilates is perfect for those recovering from injuries.
Pilates exercises are designed to create a strong, stable core. This ultimately provides support to the back, and allows overall movement and function throughout the body to improve. There are a huge variety of Pilates exercises available, sometimes using equipment such as reformer machines, exercise balls, and resistance bands to build strength.
Effects of Back Pain
It’s easy to envisage the kind of impact back pain has on work and home life, but what you may not know is that the consequences go much further than just that. According to the Victorian Government, people with back problems are far more likely to consider themselves in poor health, twice as likely to report very high levels of psychological distress, and three times more likely to report severe pain. Having back pain now can lead to a long life of discomfort, so addressing it early and thoroughly is essential.
Back pain can hold people back from living the lives they deserve. Holding back from social activities, avoiding certain exercises, feeling incapable of enjoying things that come easily to others… you deserve better, and Pilates could offer the relief you need!
Benefits of Pilates for Back Pain
Pilates is an effective exercise for many people struggling with ongoing back pain. This is because Pilates exercises are built to strengthen the deep abdominal and pelvic floor muscles, which provide vital support to the back. Pilates has been shown to minimise chronic back pain and its associated symptoms, and these improvements are maintained for considerable periods of time if exercises continue to be completed.
Even a single Pilates workout can improve pain, much like how a massage can relieve overworked muscles. For long-lasting results that will improve daily life in the long run, two or three regular Pilates workouts per week could make all the difference. Maintain the routine for at least four to six weeks to see results in your pain – even just a series of simple, simple stretches and exercises can create long-term improvement.
Risks of Using Pilates for Back Pain
It’s worth noting that exercising in particular positions can sometimes worsen back pain. It’s essential, therefore, to never push yourself beyond your limits. If something hurts, don’t persevere. Pilates exercises are great for pain because they can so easily be modified to suit everyone’s body, ensuring that aggravating positions are completely avoided. Discussing your back pain with your Pilates instructor ensures that the difficulty of exercises is modified according to the severity of irritability and pain in your back.
If in doubt, you can always work with a physiotherapist to ensure you know what Pilates treatment is going to be safest and most effective for your back pain.
Book a Pilates Class at NDPE to Improve Your Back Pain
Looking to ease your back pain? At Northern Districts Physiotherapy and Sports Clinic, we offer a wide range of Pilates sessions, each run by one of our highly qualified instructors. The forms of Pilates we offer make the programs beneficial for just about anyone, regardless of age and fitness level. Reformer Pilates is performed entirely on resistance machines, providing an intensive workout that can help improve your back pain. Contact NDPE today to book your first class.
If you want to know more about Pilates or book in for a session, call Northern Districts Physiotherapy & Sports Clinic on 02 9874 8410.
