How Pilates Can Help Those With Hip Pain

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