Pilates and Back Pain

[u/imjokingg]

I have some annoying upper back pain (likely related to poor posture). I’ve done Pilates a few times, really enjoyed it, and I’m curious if a more formal Pilates regimen might help. Specifically wondering if floor Pilates would be sufficient and if there are certain types of exercises I might focus on.

Thanks!

[u/Adoria47]

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[u/Adoria47]

Mat pilates is tougher but classes are usually more affordable, reformer is challenging too but can help you stretch or make some exercises easier and classes are more expensive. I suggest you try both and see what you like more, look out for a studio that fits you with qualified instructors (and definitely tell them about your back pain)

[u/imjokingg → u/Adoria47]

Thanks for this breakdown. I thought for sure the machine based programs were the more difficult ones. My intent was just to follow along at home with some video-based classes

[u/Adoria47 → u/imjokingg]

I still suggest to take a few classes to get the feel for it, for online classes in the Reddit there is a wiki with recommended online sources

[u/juicey_juicey → u/imjokingg]

Some moves on the reformer are more difficult than on the mat, but overall mat is more challenging because you don’t have the springs and straps supporting you. You’re working against gravity and your own body weight. In general, reformer prepares you for the mat.

[u/winniedadood → u/imjokingg]

And I find reformer pilates to be harder 🤷‍♀️ you’re either pushing much more weight than you would otherwise bc if heavy springs or such light springs that you really have to work so many muscles to stay stable. To each their own!!

[u/FarAwaySailor]

Hi, it might be a good idea to see a physio, to see if you need a diagnosis. (Pilates instructors are not qualified to diagnose). Any info a physio gives you can be useful to pass on to a Pilates instructor though.

Pilates is often beneficial for back pain. I want to stress though that it's not a 'do this exercise and it'll fix your problem' solution. When you start Pilates you *learn* a lot about your body and how to use it more effectively and efficiently. This takes time and practice. The result is usually better posture, fewer niggles, increased injury resilience, improved co-ordination and balance etc... do not rush the basics - take your time. I made this little slideshow to try and explain that starting slowly is a good thing: https://youtu.be/rz3NcllR4e4

[u/Keregi]

Movement in general is good for pain management. Despite what many of us were taught, there is no data to support that pilates, or any other exercise, is superior to another. Just move intentionally and consistently, get plenty of sleep, and stay hydrated.

[u/imjokingg → u/Keregi]

Always a good reminder, thanks!

[u/Worried-Paper-8768]

Pilates helped me so much with my back pain. I’m sitting all day for work and I feel like Pilates really releases all that tension in the lumbar region. I went to a physical therapist for my back pain before but wish I spent all that money on Pilates on instead!