Lower back pain is extremely common and research has proven that Pilates is a good way to relieve pain and tension. 

It’s thought 4 out of 5 of us experience lower back pain at some point in our lives. In fact, such a large number of people need lower back pain relief that it accounts for 9% of all adult GP visits in the UK. For some of us, lower back pain could be a simple ache that improves quickly. However, for others, it can be a much longer-term problem. 

Several research studies have suggested that Pilates can be effective for relieving lower back pain. The benefits of doing Pilates include improved core strength, increased muscle strength and flexibility and improved posture. It’s also been found to be good for helping to manage pain.

There has been a lot of research published over the last 15 years that recommends Pilates as an effective form of treatment for injury rehabilitation and more than ever before, Doctors are recommending Pilates for non-specific lower back pain. 

One study (Natour et. al, 2015) concluded that Pilates was effective in reducing pain and improving function and quality of life in patients with chronic non-specific lower back pain.

In my experience of practicing and teaching Pilates for over 25 years, the Pilates method is also effective for improving muscle resistance and strength, flexibility, mobility, postural balance and reducing lower back pain.

Several of the research studies outlined above recommend the use of Pilates as a method of choice for patients with lower back pain. Depending on the cause of the pain, specific exercise prescription may vary. It’s worth mentioning that lower back pain can be caused by various conditions. These range from simple stiffness due to poor posture to more serious conditions like herniated discs. If you have persistent or recurring back pain you should seek advice from a doctor before attending a Pilates class. 

In conclusion, Pilates can help you if you suffer with non-specific lower back pain and with other injuries as well as improve your posture and core strength. 

Don’t just take my word for it, here’s what a couple of my clients are saying about Pilates: 

Joanna has been attending my Pilates sessions for over 15 years and this is what Joanna says about Pilates:

“I am grateful that I started Pilates 15 years ago and that my shoulder is so much better. Not only that , I am grateful for much better posture, being able to lift both my arms up high (so I can cover my ears), that my stomach muscles are so much stronger and I am more conscious about keeping my body moving. Of course, grateful that I have and continue to have, you to guide me. I just love all the benefits of Pilates.”

Andrew wrote this after just a year of doing Pilates with me and has been attending my Pilates sessions for almost 10 years! 

“I'm sending you some words relating to the real benefit that I have got from attending your Pilates class over the last year.

As you know, I was suffering from all sorts of issues relating to stiffness and tightness of muscles, particularly in my back and chest/shoulders/neck. This has been due, I am sure, from years of being hunched over a computer, spending many hours driving long distances as part of my job, and taking up cycling, which is not the best of activities when it comes to posture.

My wife Ann and a physiotherapist/sports injury specialist persuaded me to take up Pilates, following me injuring my lower back in a yoga class by trying to match the others (several years my junior!) in terms of stretching.....

Over the last year I have benefitted greatly from the regime that you have taught in your classes, and I am much more supple and I have noticed that my muscle tone has improved, especially my core, which is an area that I had neglected previously.

I will certainly continue with your classes, and I cannot recommend them enough to anyone who wants to improve their core strength/stability and relieve the tightness and stiffness in their body generally. 

I am aware that being male I am in a minority in a Pilates class, but I would say to any man that feels it is not something for them to re-think their preconceptions and take up Pilates as part of their fitness regime.

The way that you run your classes promotes a fun and relaxed atmosphere that would put anyone at their ease.

Thanks again for helping me”.

If you would like to join us and address your lower back pain, we have a new 8 week Pilates courses starting Monday 22nd May at 6pm in the Main Hall at the Avoncroft Arts Centre. 

The fee for the 8 Week Pilates course is £68

Please contact Nicki at admin@nicolacarlesscom for further information and to reserve your place.

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