Pilates Training for Back Pain: How Pilates Can Release Tension and Help Heal Your Muscles

If you’re experiencing that dull, constant ache of lower back pain, you’re probably looking for relief. Whether it began suddenly or has built up due to bad posture or long hours at a desk, the ache of back pain has most people scrambling for relief or solutions. There’s a popular debate about yoga vs. Pilates for back pain. You might even wonder, ‘Is Pilates good for back pain?’

Exercise that strengthens the back muscles and improves posture helps support the tendons that are aching, but that brings the question of what kind of exercise is best for you. We’re here to say that Pilates is a great choice to improve and eliminate back pain, and we’ll tell you how.

Back Pain and Pilates

The lower back is made up of five vertebrae in the lumbar region. Each facet of the vertebrae acts like a ball-and-socket joint in the spine, allowing for slight movement in any direction. Since the lumbar region supports most of your weight while you're sitting, it's the most prone to back pain.

You may see acute back pain in people who are physically fit–for example, if they have weak back and abdominal muscles. Back injuries are common among people who exercise only periodically instead of making small daily workouts a habit. In fact, doing Pilates regularly reduces back pain by strengthening these important muscle groups and your core. It requires a lot less flexibility at the start than yoga does.

While other forms of exercise feel out of reach with back pain, Pilates is low-impact, and you’re lying down. You can build up your core muscles while on a mat or a Pilates reformer, giving extra support where you most need it. If you are looking for exercises that focus on strengthening back muscles, Pilates for lower back pain wins out over yoga because it takes the stress off of your back while still building the muscles needed for better posture.

The Journey to Healing

There are a wealth of exercises in Pilates for back pain. At Absolute Pilates, we emphasize techniques that build deep abdominal strength and support around your spine. Pilates is gentle enough to work into your everyday life, and by building postural awareness through exercises, you can keep limber and flexible. That means less tension and strain in your joints, which will lead to fewer aches and pains from day to day.

If you’re wondering if you should do Pilates for back pain, it’s always best to consult your doctor or specialist first. Depending on the cause, you may need medical intervention, and some exercises may not be advised. Once your doctor has cleared you, try Pilates for back pain to see an improved, strengthened core and posture and enjoy better energy levels and a toned figure.

Want to try Pilates while working with your physicians and physical therapists on the cause of your pain? Absolute Pilates instructors are more than happy to work with your doctor and physical therapists because your safety is our number one priority.