For the second time this week a patient made a point to tell me how much Pilates (Postural Restoration Style) has helped them with their chronic back pain. They both relate a story of trying a Pilates class offered at their local gym, after taking a few classes with Beth Elder at Advance Physical Therapy, but were surprised by differences between the two classes with the same “Pilates” name. 
In comparing Pilates class with Beth Elder, these patients report feeling like they’ve had a tremendous workout in their core muscles, and feel significant pain relief after class. In contrast to their local gym Pilates class experience, they tell me that many postures felt too difficult and they were not clear on how to hold a posture, causing strain. As an expected consequence, these patients tell me they experienced increased pain after the classes taken at their local gym.
I have observed Beth many times as she leads her Pilates class at Advance Physical Therapy. She describes positions clearly and helps participants work within their ability to achieve proper position. Beth incorporates the tremendous power of breathing into all postures. She describes specifically how to find target core musculature, what muscle activation should feel like and exactly where it should be felt. Further, Beth helps clients figure out how to stop using muscles and habitual movement patterns that contribute to their chronic pain.
There is a growing body of evidence supporting Pilates as an effective treatment for chronic back pain. I’ve included two such research reports below:
The Definition and Application of Pilates Exercise to Treat People With Chronic Low Back Pain
Indications, Benefits, and Risks of Pilates Exercise for People with Chronic Low Back Pain
Jean Masse PT, DPT, PRC, OCS, ATC
For more information about Pilates or Postural Restoration at Advance Physical Therapy click this link, or give us a call at 919-932-7266.
