The evidence-based effect of Clinical Pilates into the treatment of lower back pain has been a hot topic in the last few years. Poor motor control (both over and under activity) as well as inadequate or excessive mobility leads to a muscle imbalance , injury and/or associated pain.
The latest research supports the use of pilates exercises, designed to train the activation and control of specific stabilising muscles of the lumbar-pelvic region, for management of lower back and spinal pathologies. After a 12 month follow-up period, this has shown to be effective in the reduction of back related pain.
Subsequently there has been a movement forward from the traditional strength training towards motor control and pilates based exercises for managing lower back pain.
The physiotherapists at Bend + Mend have recently been involved in an ongoing study on the effects of pilates in chronic lower back pain subjects. This new evidence will provide clinicians with a better evidence based practice and understanding of the role of pilates in rehabilitation setting.
