Many people mistakenly think that Pilates is a “new age” fad that has just recently become popular. In reality, Pilates has been around since the early 20th century. Joseph Pilates began developing his exercise program as a young child, and used it in an internment camp in World War I, designing simple equipment that bedridden inmates could use to keep their strength up.
How Pilates Can Be Beneficial for Joint Pain
Many people are also surprised to learn how beneficial Pilates can be for joint pain. One of the best pieces of Pilates equipment for joint pain is the trap table, which allows you to perform a variety of movements standing up, seated, lying down, or twisting, spinning and hanging from the bars that surround the table.
“The Pilates trap table is a great piece of equipment to use when you're trying to strengthen rotator cuff injuries or other shoulder joint problems,” says Heather Low, a PMA Certified Pilates Teacher and HealthChoicesFirst.com partner. “The springs are gentle, and a well-trained Pilates teacher can train you how to use the equipment so that you're accessing the smaller muscles that support the joints. Those are the muscles that are tight and inhibiting range of motion through the joints, and those are what often cause us joint pain.”
Additional Benefits of Pilates
In addition to reducing joint pain, some of the other benefits of doing regular Pilates are:
*Increased strength and flexibility
*Toned muscles
*Improved balance and posture
*Improved breathing
*Improved mental health and clarity
*Increased body awareness
Because Pilates is low impact, and Pilates teachers can adjust movements for individuals, it can be safely adapted for almost any type of joint pain or injury, and Pilates is also safe during pregnancy. Pilates teachers can modify any Pilates exercises to place less strain on specific joints or muscles. Many other types of exercise put stress on the joints, but Pilates can actually minimize this.
Pilates for Injury Rehabilitation
Pilates is also an effective and safe form of injury rehabilitation, focusing on helping people return to normal range of motion. People with diseases like arthritis, a condition that stiffens the joints and causes loss of movement, can use Pilates to help them regain joint mobility and flexibility.
Before you consider Pilates classes for your joint pain, get approval from your doctor. Then, seek out a qualified Pilates teacher who can help you do Pilates effectively without causing further injury.