Using Pilates as an Aid to Spine and Hip Health

Unlike yoga, with its ancient traditions dating back thousands of years, Pilates has evolved over just the last century (see: History of Pilates). Nonetheless, the exercise disciplines developed by Joseph Pilates, some of which do draw to an extent from yoga, have become increasingly popular, over the past 20 years especially.

When I first read about Pilates, and saw its focus on posture, flexibility, stretching, and strengthening the muscles around the lower back and hip areas, I immediately wondered: "Could this have helped me 30 years ago?"

I had a condition called ankylosing spondylitis which, in my early and mid twenties, was destroying my hip joints and fusing my vertabrae. I discovered rather too late exercise was a key part of combating the condition, and maintaining good posture and maximum flexibility. However, I was lucky enough to move to the Bath area in 1975, in time to to join special classes at the Royal National Hospital for Rheumatic Diseases . We spent three weeks on an exercise program which had similar aims to Pilates.

It was for that reason that I wondered if Pilates exercises could have a role to play with my own medical condition, and a quick enquiry revealed that Pilates is now included in the RNHRD range of exercises, along with hydrotherapy, stretching, aerobic exercise, and aromatherapy.

Apart from being a hospital I attended for several years, the RNHRD is one of the most respected institutions in the world for rheumatic diseases, so the inclusion of Pilates in the doctor's regime for ankylosing spondylitis is an indication of its serious potential.

That does not mean that you have to have a bad medical condition to benefit from Pilates. Some Pilates exercises can potentially be of benefit to anyone, but it is important to have a fully qualified instructor whose advise you can follow. For those with a medical condition, such as ankylosing spondylitis, it is particularly important to work closely with your doctor and physiotherapist to not only get the most benefit, but to prevent yourself doing more harm than good.

Most people who use Pilates do so for their own health and fitness reasons, and quite legitimately so. The exercises are designed to keep the body fit, flexible and trim. Even so, badly performed exercise can sometimes cause personal injury, and the back is especially at risk. Back pain is very common, because it is so easy for it to occur, either naturally or through self inflicted accidental injury. When extreme, back pain can be excruciating, as I learned many years ago, so caution and professional advice are a high priority for those considering a Pilates inspired exercise regime.