Pilates is a form of dynamic stabilisation retraining that reconditions the body from the central core to prevent the recurrence of and treat a range of postural, musculo-skeletal and neurological conditions.

Core Strength and back pain

Core strength is the foundation of Pilates exercise. The core muscles are the deep, internal muscles of the abdomen and back. When the core muscles are strong and doing their job, as they are trained to do in Pilates, they work in tandem with the more superficial muscles of the trunk to support the spine and movement.

Anatomy

The ‘Core’ muscles

As you develop your core strength, you develop stability throughout your entire torso. This is one of the ways Pilates helps people overcome back pain. As the trunk is properly stabilized, pressure on the back is relieved and the body is able to move freely and efficiently.

Pilates –The Method

• It is thought that Injuries are caused by imbalances in the body from habitual patterns of movement.

• Joseph Pilates observed that when a person had a weakness or mal-aligned area, they overcompensated or overdeveloped another area of the body.
• Pilates emphasises the importance of initiating a movement from a central core of stability, namely the lumbo-pelvic region.
• Once the inner core muscles are working, we can adjust the intensity of each exercise through use of differing length levers (various limb movements) and resistance (use of pilates equipment)
• We concentrate on precision of movement, awareness of breath control and continuous flowing movement.