This article discusses the benefits of doing pilates exercises with regards to providing pain relief. It was mentioned that pilates pain relief exercises are sequences of stretching and strengthening movements with the objective to increase the core strength of the body. It is said that the advantages of doing pilates exercises include increased flexibility, improved bone strength, and improved posture.
Lack of exercise and repetitive movements can cause certain muscle groups to tense and become stressed. This can lead to bad form, imbalanced muscles, tight closed-up joints, and short tendons and ligaments to act up. These tight, short tendons and ligaments inhibit movements and do not work functionally. Over time, tight joints become stuck and stiff and lose its ability to move.
Pilates pain relief exercises are specific to even out tight cranky angles in joints. It is about smooth, well-controlled movements that are recommended to address tight muscle knots. When done properly, the risk for injury is minimal and it is also a good method to use in building flexibility, muscular strength, tone, posture, stress and tension relief, and core muscle endurance.
If you are a beginner, it will be a great idea to understand the fundamentals of the Pilates Method. Pilates is a total body conditioning regime that is aimed at stretching and strengthening you at the same time. It also teaches core connection – body mind connection. Its effectiveness as a pain relief exercise works in a way that it aligns certain parts the body back to its neutral position.
Tips on the benefits of pilates pain relief exercises:
1. Increases Flexibility
Pilates is commonly known to increase flexibility of all the tight muscles of the body, namely the hamstring, lower back, neck and shoulders. It has a series of exercises that increase flexibility of other tight areas like the hips, side and front of the body and middle back. The routines are done on the Pilates machines are very specific and highly recommended to achieve good results.
Strengthening and stretching are very important as they help in maintaining physical balance. All of these pilates pain relief exercises promote both strength and flexibility. Once the body’s muscle coordination and flexibility are improved, the person would start seeing results in relieving pain especially in the back, neck, shoulders and knees.
2. Improves Muscular Strength
Muscles get stronger when they are used more often; likewise the bone gets denser and stronger when it is challenged. Bone density naturally declines when the one reaches the age of 30 or earlier. It’s a major health issue especially for women who suffered from osteoporosis. Lack of exercises can indeed result in weaker bones because less demand means porous bones.
In order to lessen the risk of spinal issues, pain, fractures, and conditions associated with osteoporosis, it is highly recommended to perform some pilates exercises to strengthen the bones and muscles.
Pilates exercises have proven to maintain the density and the mass of the bones specifically those that involve resistance and weight bearing. In these techniques, the muscles and bones are pitted against gravity. Pilates involves bone strengthening exercises that support the spine and teach safe movements and posture that can be used everyday.
3. Develops Proper Posture
Good posture means the body is balanced and in sync. It assists the body to have good flexibility and wider range of motion. Pain in the neck, shoulder, and back is contained when the core, back and abdominal muscles are developed evenly and well balanced.
As daily tasks and activities related to sports and fitness can cause the imbalanced development of certain muscles, those that are used less often become weaker. And those that are used often become stronger. Pilates exercises improve posture and promote uniform bilateral muscles, thus creating a well centered and balance body.
4. Relieves Stress and Tension
Stress is major factor for muscle tension where the muscles can act up and become sore. Pilates, with its mind and body exercise technique, can relax a person’s mind as well as loosen those muscles that are over tight. This eliminates tension, which is particularly beneficial for people experiencing from simple ache to chronic pain in the neck and shoulder areas. This can even prevent more serious conditions linked with high levels of stress including stomach ulcers, hypertension, migraines and heart attack.
5. Strengthens Core Muscles
The core muscles in the central portion of a human body include the pelvic floor, abdominal group, and diaphragm areas. These components essentially provide support to the spinal column and hold the key to overall posture. Aside from just properly maintaining the body’s posture, it also provides stability to most bodily movements. Once the core muscles are weakened, not in sync, it can manifest to pain in the lower back and ultimately affect the body’s ability to function normally.
Pilates aims to strengthen the core and alignment of the spine through stretching and strengthening movements. Its resistance training allows the core musculature to be stressed at a certain intensity level just enough to provide the desired result.