By improving lumbar stability (low back support) and eventually range of motion, we teach the spine to move while distributing forces evenly through the spine, therefore improving range of motion and decreasing pain.

The same principles apply to the neck (cervical spine) as the low back (lumbar spine). In particular with neck pain, rehabilitation of the muscles involved in “upper cross thoracic syndrome” allow the muscles that move the neck contract in a more balanced way, therefore reducing tension which can lead to neck pain and headaches.

By improving scapula (shoulder blade) mechanics, force is distributed evenly through the shoulder girdle, therefore decreasing tension through upper neck muscles (eg trapezius) and the muscles between the shoulder blades (eg rhomboids)

With improving strength through the deeper core muscles (Transverse abdominus and multifidus) and the pelvic floor, less shearing forces are placed on the sacro-iliac joint and the pubic bone, therefore improving pelvic stability and decreasing pain.

Pilates exercises are commonly performed in what is called “neutral spine”. This is the optimum position for the spine and usually the position of best posture. While strengthening in neutral, postural muscles are also strengthened improving your alignment and position.

When the injury has settled and it is time to start re-training muscles to prevent further damage, it is important to strengthen through weak muscles and lengthen/stretch tight muscles. Many common injuries are most often due to in-appropriate use of muscles and the available movement required for a particular movement at any joint. This is why a specific and tailored Pilates program is so important, otherwise re-injury is likely.

While lengthening/stretching tight muscles, flexibility is improved.

Pilates helps to prepare the female body for strength required during the birth process, and assists in breathing which promotes relaxation and helps activate the transverse abdominus. Doing  Pilates while you are pregnant helps the body recover from the natural strain placed on your body while you are pregnant. Most of the damage to the pelvic floor muscles is actually while you are pregnant, not during the delivery, therefore the need to do your pelvic floor exercises while you are pregnant! Didn’t do any exercise while you were pregnant? Don’t worry, it’s never too late to start to activate those core muscles in the post natal period.

Pilates is very gentle to the arthritic body. By improving joint mechanics of arthritic joints with gentle mobilisation, the force is dissipated throughout the joint evenly, therefore reducing muscle spasm and improving joint stability. Again here is the importance of a personalised Pilates program to help prevent further tissue and joint damage.