Pilates is a form of exercise developed by Joseph Pilates over 70 years ago that focuses on unique body conditioning and postural alignment exercise techniques. Pilates exercises emphasise the balanced development of the body through core strength, flexibility and awareness, in order to support efficient movement.
Pilates is widely recognised for its significant effect on improving core stability. Core stability refers to the deep stabilising muscles that lie deep within the torso. These muscles attach to the spine and pelvis, and include the transversus abdominis, diaphragm and pelvic floor. These muscles combined are sometimes called the ‘powerhouse’ of our body because movement, power and stability originate here. These muscles help control movements, transfer energy, shift body weight and move in any direction. A strong core distributes the stresses of weight-bearing and protects the back, and hold the body stable and balanced, whether you are stationary or in dynamic motion.
Specific exercises focus on developing the endurance and strength of the core muscles, necessary for pain-free, efficient movement and maximal performance for all. Did you know that pain, injury or poor posture can cause the core stabilising muscles to switch off? These muscles do not switch on again by themselves – we must consciously turn them back on again. The latest scientific evidence reveals you are less likely to have a recurrence of back pain if rehabilitation involves exercises that activate and strengthen the deep stabilising muscles.
Capital Clinic Physiotherapy’s mat classes and individual Pilates programmes incorporate the work of stabilisation training, neural mobilization, injury prevention, as well as spinal and peripheral bio-mechanics. The use of Pilates to treat not only lower back pain but all other type of injuries is becoming increasingly common among physiotherapists, as it can address an underlying cause of pain/ recurring injuries or weakness by looking at the biomechanics of the body as a whole, rather than looking only locally at the joint involved.
At Capital Clinic Physiotherapy all Pilates classes are run by pilates- qualified physiotherapists who have a depth of knowledge in anatomy, physiology and injury rehabilitation, and are able to adapt their programmes to all ages and levels. Contact Capital Clinic to discuss the current Pilates timetable and options to suit your needs.