Lower back pain can be limiting and regardless of its severity, it can have a significant impact on your well-being. Those with lower back pain can become fearful of movement. However, this can lead to further stiffness and pain. When avoiding movement, joints become even more stiff. This can cause further muscle imbalances or weakness.
There are many reasons why lower back pain occurs. Poor core stability, posture, injury or muscle imbalances to name a few. Muscle imbalances usually involve core and glute weakness.
Our core is made up of a group of muscles which supports our spine in many different movements and positions. Our glutes also provide pelvic stability and support to our posture. This helps relieve our lower back from extra load. Therefore, conditioning to strengthen and build endurance in these muscles is shown to reduce back pain and discomfort.
So how can Clinical Pilates help lower back pain?
- Core Stability:
Pilates focuses on strengthening the deep abdominal and back muscles. These muscles play a vital role in supporting the spine and pelvis. Improving posture, by having an awareness of proper alignment, can help to reduce strain on the lower back and prevent injury.
- Increase Mobility:
Gentle stretches and movements can help improve range of motion in the spine and other joints and therefore reduce pain.
- Reduce Muscle Imbalances:
By targeting certain muscles we can strengthen and therefore reduce the load on the lower back. Strengthening these muscles will also help improve endurance allowing the body to take on more activity and movement.
Clinical Pilates can ultimately reduce pain and recurrence of this pain. This in turn helps those to return back to meaningful and valuable activities that may have been limited. As well as this, clinical pilates can also improve balance and co-ordination, whole body strength, general well-being and decreasing stress levels.
Here at Port Melbourne Physiotherapy and Pilates, we tailor the exercises to each individual based on their goals. It is important that the Pilates exercises are individualised to you. We progress you appropriately and adapt where needed.
Before attending classes, you will have an Initial Assessment. Your physio will undertake a detailed history and physical assessment. Then they will use the real time ultrasound to teach you the correct way to activate your core muscles. After this you will begin your Clinical Exercise program in the exercise studio learning exercises and movements that will help you achieve your goals.
