Kay Tomlinson, BSc (Hons) Ost, Med. D.O.N.D
Osteopath

             Pilates & Rehabilitation Exercise

The Pilates Method is not a new age phenomenon, but has in fact been around for some 75 years. Its founder Joseph Pilates was born in Germany and died in New York in 1967. Joseph Pilates observed that when there was a weak or misaligned area in the body, a person tended to overcompensate or overdevelop another area. Therefore, it was critical not only to correct the misalignment but also to re-educate the body so that injuries did not repeat themselves. He also believed that true well-being could be achieved through physical exercise and positive mental attitude.

             Pilates & Manual Treatment (Osteopathy & Physiotherapy)

Through numerous studies it has been found that body movements are generated from the 'core' – a combination of deep spinal muscles attaching to the spine and abdominal wall creating a 'muscular corsette'.

Movement forces ranging from reaching for a pen to laborious lying of bricks require good core stability.  Therefore someone whose stability muscles do not activate in advance of their mobilising muscles will be more vulnerable to injury.

When we suffer back pain, the larger outer back muscles spasm, working harder while the deeper stabilising muscles work less.  This leads to compression of joints! Osteopaths treat these joint restrictions, however the deep stabilising muscles remain weak.  This is why starting a rehabilitation programme such as Pilates is essential to correct these muscular imbalances, helping to prevent reoccurrences of back pain.

               What is Pilates?

The slow controlled flowing movement of Pilates primarily strengthens the ‘core’ muscles that stabilize and support the spine, realign the body and correct postural problems.

The exercises are performed in the ‘neutral spinal position’ viewed as the optimal load bearing position of the spine.

The deep stabilising muscles activate most effectively in a neutral spinal position, important for protection of spinal discs, joints and ligaments.  This rehabilitation exercise programme focuses on optimising these load-bearing relationships, activating the correct muscles and improving muscle imbalances.

             Pilates can help:

• Back pain
• Neck pain & Headaches
• Tension & Stress
• Postural problems
• Stiffness & Tight muscles

           Exercise during pregnancy with Pilates:

There is vast evidence suggesting exercise during pregnancy can have many beneficial effects for mums to be. These can include maintenance of cardiovascular fitness, increase social support, preparation for labour and a more positive pregnancy experience ^1,2.

It has been reported that only 42% of women continue to exercise during pregnancy ³, however Sports Medicine Australia (2002) suggest it is not time to start a more intensive exercise regime but rather continue or modify an established routine.

There are many physiological changes that occur during pregnancy and possibly one of the most obvious being a woman’s posture. As the baby grows, the abdomen enlarges and there is a negative effect on the strength of the buttock muscles, along with an increased curvature within the spine. Pelvic stability can be compromised ⁴ which if this occurs in an unbalanced nature can be predictive of pain in the post labour period ⁵.

Why should you do modified Pilates during pregnancy?

Pilates can not only improve spinal and pelvic stability, which consequently can reduce pain during and after pregnancy. It improves postural awareness, maintains flexibility and circulation along with conditioning the pelvic floor during this prenatal period.

Guidelines for Pilates in pregnancy:

• A letter from your GP is required confirming you are medically stable to exercise
  
  
• Any low back pain or pelvic pain has been assessed by a medical professional (such as an osteopath or physiotherapist), and advice has been given to seek stability training

Kay Tomlinson is our registered Osteopath and qualified Pilates instructor at The Tonbridge Clinic. Kay will do a thorough assessment initially, looking at posture, flexibility and spinal range of motion. Specific exercises are then prescribed helping to strengthen and mobilise according to your individual body needs.

Kay views rehabilitation as an essential component of a treatment plan  and also uses core stability/Pilates excercises. Kay teaches pilates classes throughout the week.

Kay teaches small group Pilates along with individual one to one sessions.  If you are interested in attending any of her classes including pre or post natal please get in touch.

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