How Safe are Pilates Programs?

Post date: Jun 2, 2024 10:28:46 AM

How Safe is that Pilates Program You are Doing?

Background

Recently I was asked to comment on the effectiveness of a Pilates Program for a client who is suffering from low back pain.  In the past, colleagues have enthusiastically advocated pilates for assisting with low back pain, and so I decided to investigate in more detail.  I reviewed a number of articles, but also embarked on a pilates program of my own to understand the areas of risk and benefit.

My View

I have been particularly concerned about the amount of Trunk Flexion* and twisting used in mainstream programs.  With many clients working in an desk and office situation, using computer screens that are often not well adjusted, and the increasing use of small screen mobile devices, and the associated postural problems, I think that so much focus on trunk flexion in an exercise program is ill advised.

I highlighted the risks of trunk flexion* in an article I posted some time ago. (Read "Sit-ups" in Exercises that Aggravate Lower Back Pain).  There I pointed out that sit-ups, a form of trunk flexion, increases the compression load within the spine to 2.5 times your standing load!

As with any exercise modality, we must be discerning and analytical in our adoption of the modality, and filter out the risky or damaging exercises, in order to adopt the most beneficial.  

Please note, Pilates was developed in the 1920s.  Our knowledge of appropriate exercise has developed somewhat since then.

Article by Pilates Practitioners.

The article linked here provides commentary by a number of Pilates Practitioners about the areas of risk they perceive, and notes how they work around these.  If you are doing or considering pilates, please take time to read this and consider if you need to avoid or modify some of the positions, or withdraw from pilates altogether.

Seek Advice

If you are suffering back pain or other injuries, or are concerned about the impact of your exercise routine, seek advice from your Doctor, Physiotherapist, Personal Trainer, or other health professional. 

There are a number of much safer and more effective exercises for you. Please contact me if you need help with this.

As always, click on the picture or here to access this article.

(*Trunk flexion is the forward curving of the upper body shoulders towards hips as in the first photo. An example is Sit-ups.)