CLINICAL PILATES PROGRAM FOR LOWER BACK PAIN
Lower back is the most common reason people seek our help at Hartwell Physio. It’s reported that over 15% of Australians have lower back pain at any one time (Australian Bureau of Statistics (2020-21)). As physiotherapists, we have the privilege of guiding people through their journey of managing and overcoming lower back pain. This common ailment affects people of all ages and walks of life, often disrupting daily activities and diminishing overall well-being. While conventional treatments such as hands-on treatment and pain medications provide temporary relief, Clinical Pilates encourages a holistic approach, addressing the underlying issues associated with a person’s lower back pain which assists in better long-term management. Our Clinical Pilates Program for Managing Chronic Lower Back Pain is supported by evidence and aligns with the GP Clinical Practice Guidelines.
Understanding Back Pain
Lower back pain is a multifaceted condition with various triggers and manifestations. It can stem from factors such as poor posture, muscle imbalances, sedentary lifestyles, repetitive movements or acute traumas. At Hartwell Physio our approach to treating lower back pain is comprehensive, involving a thorough assessments to identify contributing factors and tailored interventions according to your goals. This personalised approach allows for targeted treatment plans that address the root cause of your pain and help you better manage into the future, rather than merely alleviating symptoms.
Why try Clinical Pilates for managing lower back pain?
Clinical Pilates fuses traditional Pilates principles with evidence-based rehabilitation techniques. Unlike generic exercise programs, Clinical Pilates is guided by a deep understanding of anatomy, biomechanics, and injury mechanisms. This approach enables us to target dysfunctional movement patterns and muscle imbalances, facilitating effective rehabilitation. We combine reformer (Pilates equipment) exercises with mat and ball exercises, incorporating weights and resistance band to promote strength and complexity.
We design individualised Clinical Pilates programs for our clients with lower back pain that are based off a through assessment and we then take you through your program one-on-one prior to beginning group sessions to ensure you are confident and comfortable with your program.
How does Clinical Pilates help with lower back pain?
The benefits of Clinical Pilates extend beyond pain relief:
- Enhanced Flexibility: Targeted stretching and mobilsation exercises in Clinical Pilates improve flexibility and reduce muscle tension, enhancing overall range of motion and reducing the risk of injury.
- Improved Posture: Clinical Pilates promotes optimal spinal alignment and encourages mindful movement, correcting postural deviations that contribute to back pain. Participants develop better body awareness and learn to maintain optimal posture in daily activities.
- Increased Strength: By targeting key muscle groups involved in spinal stability, Clinical Pilates helps build strength and endurance, reducing strain on the lower back and improving functional capacity.
- Injury Prevention: Clinical Pilates addresses underlying musculoskeletal imbalances and movement dysfunctions, making it an effective tool for injury prevention.
- Mind-Body Connection: Through focused breathing techniques and mindful movement practices, Clinical Pilates cultivates a deeper connection between the mind and body, reducing stress and promoting overall well-being.
Clinical Pilates Program for Lower Back Pain at Hartwell Physio
For the best outcomes, exercises programs that are supervised are generally better than exercising alone so that you have be sure your technique is correct and so that adjustments can be made to progress your program in a timely manner. We recommend starting with two supervised Clinical Exercise sessions per week for a minimum of six weeks to see improvements in pain and function.
How to get started…
Step 1: Book in for your 40 minute Clinical Exercise Fundamentals session (assessment session)
Step 2: Complete your first 40 minute one-on one Clinical Exercise session with your Physio
Step 3: Complete your second 40 minute one-on one Clinical Exercise session with your Physio
Step 4: Choose two group sessions to attend each week!
See our Clinical Exercise timetable HERE.
By embracing the principles of Clinical Pilates and committing to regular practice, you can unlock the path to improved pain relief, function and quality of life.
To make a booking or find out more call us on 9889 3903.
References:
Australian Commission on Safety and Quality in Health Care. (2022, August). Low back pain clinical care standard. Retrieved from https://www.safetyandquality.gov.au/sites/default/files/2022-08/low_back_pain_clinical_care_standard.pdf
Domingues de Freitas, C., Araujo Costa, D., Carvas Junior, N., & Tassoni Civile, V. (2020). Effects of the Pilates method on kinesiophobia associated with chronic non-specific low back pain: Systematic review and meta-analysis. Journal of Bodywork and Movement Therapies, 24(3), 300-306. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.jbmt.2020.05.005
Franks, J., Thwaites, C., & Morris, M. E. (2023). Pilates to improve core muscle activation in chronic low back pain: A systematic review. Healthcare, 11(10), 1404. https://doi.org/10.3390/healthcare11101404
Hayden, J. A., Ellis, J., Ogilvie, R., Stewart, S. A., Bagg, M. K., Stanojevic, S., Yamato, T. P., & Saragiotto, B. T. (2021). Some types of exercise are more effective than others in people with chronic low back pain: A network meta-analysis. Journal of Physiotherapy, 67(4), 252-262. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.jphys.2021.09.004
Royal Australian College of General Practitioners. (n.d.). Exercise for chronic low back pain. In RACGP – Clinical guidelines. Retrieved from https://www.racgp.org.au/clinical-resources/clinical-guidelines/handi/handi-interventions/exercise/exercise-for-chronic-low-back-pain
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