As a physiotherapist with over two decades of experience instructing Clinical Pilates, I’ve encountered numerous misconceptions about what Pilates is and what it isn’t. A recent article in The Australian, “Six Pilates Myths, Busted by an Expert,” Nina Miyashita highlighted common misconceptions about fitness Pilates. In this article, I’ll delve deeper into these myths, particularly from a health professional’s perspective, to ensure you get the most from your Pilates program.
Myth #1: Pilates is a guaranteed fix for back pain.
Pilates is renowned in the rehabilitation space for building core stability and theoretically aiding in the reduction and prevention of back pain. However, my experience suggests this isn’t always the case.
In fact, Pilates involves a series of exercises, sometimes with specialised equipment. And although these exercises generally focus on controlling the stabilising muscles, this doesn’t guarantee a positive or negative impact on back pain. Instead, they aim to enhance deep muscle control.
Understanding back pain:
Back pain can arise from several causes. For some, it might be due to a disc bulge; for others, it could be facet joint irritation. However, in cases of chronic lower back pain, the pain itself, coupled with the fear of pain, can become the issue, leading to a hypersensitive nervous system. Therefore, addressing these problems effectively depends on identifying their specific causes, and general “core” Pilates exercises might not always be the solution.
Personalised Pilates for back pain:
To manage back pain effectively, it’s crucial to select Pilates exercises tailored to address the root cause of your specific condition. Building core and pelvic stability in a way that supports your back pain is more likely to prevent long-term issues and improve your quality of life.
The key is to consult a qualified health professional or a well-trained Pilates instructor to identify the right exercises for your individual needs, rather than adopting a one-size-fits-all approach.
By understanding these nuances, you can better navigate your Pilates practice and achieve optimal benefits for your back health.
References:
- Li, F., Omar Dev, R.D., Soh, K.G. et al. Effects of Pilates exercises on spine deformities and posture: a systematic review. BMC Sports Sci Med Rehabil 16, 55 (2024). https://doi.org/10.1186/s13102-024-00843-3
- Meikis L, Wicker P and Donath L (2021) Effects of Pilates Training on Physiological and Psychological Health Parameters in Healthy Older Adults and in Older Adults With Clinical Conditions Over 55 Years: A Meta-Analytical Review. Front. Neurol. 12:724218. https://doi.org/10.3389/fneur.2021.724218
- Pereira, M.J. Mendes, R. Mendes, R.S. Martins, F. Gomes, R. Gama, J.; Dias, G. Castro, M.A. Benefits of Pilates in the Elderly Population: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis. Eur. J. Investig Health Psychol. Educ. 2022, 12, 236–268. https://doi.org/10.3390/ejihpe12030018
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