Pilates - The Best Form of Exercise for Back Pain?
Pilates is often cited in the media as being the best form of exercise for back pain. But just how true is that?
Firstly, it is important to ascertain what is causing your back pain, and it is advised that you discuss your back pain with the relevant healthcare professional before starting a new exercise plan. To keep this blog as short and sweet as possible it will discuss back pain in relation to non-specific mechanical low-back pain.
This idea of Pilates being “superior” to other forms of exercise is one that I’d like to hit head on – there is NOT a “best” type of exercise for back pain.
So, what does the research say?
Gladwell et al (2019) suggests that Pilates … can improve non-specific chronic low back pain in an active population compared to no intervention. They also noted an improvement to general health, pain level, sports functioning, flexibility in individuals with chronic low back pain.
La Touche (2008) reviewed literature regarding Pilates and chronic low-back pain and they found that overall Pilates improved general function and reduced pain. However, they did suggest that further research is required to determine parameters for Pilates exercise prescription.
Choon Wyn Lim et al (2010) in their review of scientific literature found that Pilates-based exercises are superior to minimal intervention for pain relief. However, their research highlighted that … evidence does not establish superiority of Pilates-based exercise to other forms of exercise to reduce pain and disability for patients with persistent nonspecific low back pain.
Mostagi et al (2015) studied the effect of Pilates vs general exercise in relation to pain and function after eight weeks and a follow-up of three months. Results suggested “There were no differences between Pilates and general exercises with regard to pain and functionality… but general exercises were better than Pilates for increasing functionality and flexibility”.
What should we take from the research?
So, there we have it – it’s a real mixed view about Pilates for back pain. The take home message is that Pilates is no more superior than other forms of exercise. However, it is accepted that undertaking a Pilates program is, on the whole, better for those who are active and than taking no intervention for back pain.
Although research is important and evidence guides clinical practice, we should not forget the anecdotal stories of individuals and their personal experiences. Benefits of attending Pilates with OsteoPilatesCornwall is that classes are open to all abilities, supportive and inclusive, and are limited to small group numbers, always.
When pain or injury are present – the “best” form of exercise is one that you enjoy. One that you can stick to.
If you are unsure whether Pilates is for you or what may be causing your back pain, get in touch via our contact page: https://www.osteopilatescornwall.com/contact
REFERENCES:
Choon Wyn Lim, E., Li Choo Poh, R., Ying Low, A., Pong Wong, W., (2010) Effects of Pilates-Based Exercises on Pain and Disability in Individuals With Persistent Nonspecific Low Back Pain: A Systematic Review With Meta-analysis. [Internet]. Available from: < https://www.jospt.org/doi/abs/10.2519/jospt.2011.3393 > [Date Accessed: 14.01.20]
Gladwell, V., Head, S., Haggar, M., and Beneke, R., (2019) Does a Program of Pilates Improve Chronic Non-Specific Low Back Pain? [Internet] Available from: < https://journals.humankinetics.com/view/journals/jsr/15/4/article-p338.xml?tab=contentSummary > [Date accessed 14.01.20]
La Touche, R., Escalantea, K., and Linares, MT., (2008) Treating non-specific chronic low back pain through the Pilates Method. [Internet]. Available from: < https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/abs/pii/S1360859207001209 > [Date Accessed: 14.01.20]
Mostagi, F., Dias, J., Pereira, M., Obara, K., Mazuquin, B., Silva, M., CardosoSilva, M., Campos, R., TavaresBarreto M., Lima, J., LuizCarregaro, R., RosaCardoso, J., (2014) Pilates versus general exercise effectiveness on pain and functionality in non-specific chronic low back pain subjects. [Internet]. Available from: < https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/abs/pii/S1360859214001958 > [Date Accessed: 14.01.20]