How Pilates could help back problems

When we suffer from chronic pain for a long time we become afraid to move...but believe it or not movement is one of the ways we can help our problem.! 

The affected area becomes inflamed and we could suffer muscle spasms, which then make us even more tense and even more afraid to move.

Now due to the lack of movement in our body this results in decreased local circulation, allowing waste products such as carbon dioxide and lactic acid to build up...which then adds to the pain we are already experiencing .!

So what could we do....? Pilates.... 

Why.? As these exercises are done slowly and with control, the gentle normal flowing movements involved in Pilates classes are a perfect way to reassure your body that it is ok to move again. !!

How do I know this...because iv suffered from chronic back pain for 15 years, someone recommended Pilates to me and since attending my first Pilates class iv never looked back.  

Pilates gave me my life back, I wasn’t scared to pick the kids up anymore I wasn’t worried about getting in that driving seat and feeling that dreaded pain.

Pilates taught me how to manage my body, it strengthened my deep core muscles and I was given the correct tools to improve my own posture which in turn alleviated my back pain. 

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Concentration 
By focusing on your mind-body awareness, the better connection you establish with your body, and the more benefits you gain from your workouts. It's better to do each exercise slowly and precisely, than with incorrect form or posture.
        
Centering
By paying attention to the muscles of the core (the Pilates Powerhouse), you will help all of your bodies' muscles function and develop more efficiently.
        
Control
In Pilates, slow and steady wins the race. Control, rather than intensity or repetition, is key to performing the exercises correctly. All movements should be performed with precision, to gain the maximum benefits.

Breathing
Controlling your breath with deep exhalations as you perform each exercise helps activate your muscles and keep you focused.

Precision
Practice makes perfect. Proper form is essential to ensure you gain the most benefit and keep your body healthy.

Flow
Each Pilates motion should be smooth and graceful. Try to create the grace of a dancer or a gymnast in your practice.

Joint pain and Pilates go hand in hand because one of the biggest benefits of this exercise is the ability for it to strengthen muscles and increase joint mobility.
​Pilates is a low impact workout that can be performed by those who suffer with joint or hip pain.

The smooth movements in Pilates helps to improve range of movement in the hip joint and can help with pain relief. The increased awareness of joint alignment within movement promotes joint health whilst also minimising the destructive forces that weight bearing can subject joints to.

One of the main focuses of Pilates, is on strengthening the core. Our core muscles are considered the “centre” of our body and include our deep abdominal muscles and muscles which attach directly onto the spine. Strengthening the core muscles along with the gluteal muscles helps create stability and optimal loading around the abdominal, pelvic and hip region.

Joint mobility, muscle flexibility and improving balance and control are also integral aspects of each Pilates class. Increasing hip mobility and muscle length around the hip will promote a greater range of movement and prevent joint stiffness.

The main goals of pilates are to: 

• Enhance and normalise muscle recruitment
• Identify faulty movement patterns and work towards efficient movement patterns
• Enhance segmental spinal stabilization
• Improve mobility and stability
• Improve postural alignment and awareness
• Restore hip and shoulder movements