When a person suffers from scoliosis or a curvature of the spine, studies suggest that practicing Pilates may help relieve some of the painful symptoms and in some cases correct the curvature.
Pilates is a stretching and strength training exercise regimen. Through the exercises performed under the watchful eye of a professional, a person works on toning and strengthening the core muscles. Core muscles are generally considered those in the stomach region, abdomen, and chest. Some also consider the middle back and lower back as part of the core muscle group.
Regardless of what muscles are considered part of the core group, the point is the exercises work to strengthen these and all of the muscles. Not through bulky weight lifting, but through fine stretching and ultimately muscle-strengthening exercises based on this stretching.
Some are suggesting that by strengthening this core group of muscle and by gently reworking the musculature of the back and lower back, the curvature in the spine may be affected positively. Now, it is important to note that this or any other exercise regime needs the approval of a doctor. And, in the case of Pilates specifically, it is suggested that the exercises be attempted with a professional and not by the individual on their own.
Most doctors and instructors that suggest the exercises as a way to treat people suffering from spine curvature or scoliosis recognize the need to go slow. There is no way of knowing whether or not the exercises will be a good fit with a particular patient until they are tried. Certainly, it is also recognized that these exercises are by no means considered a “cure” for the curvature.
Some doctors, practitioners and instructors suggest starting with simple exercises that work on merely loosening the muscles in the groin and lower back. Before real work can begin on the posture and strength of the person doing the exercises, the “patient” needs to learn to isolate and recognize muscles.
By laying on the floor and pressing all of the lower back into the floor the exerciser is learning to isolate the lower back. He or she is learning how it feels to focus attention on different parts of the body, placing attention in the lower back, shoulders, feet, legs, hips and et cetera. Once a person can begin to isolate the body muscles they begin to understand the parts that hold tension and that potentially can be worked on to create a stronger, straighter spine.
Of course, every instructor, doctor and potential exercise devotee has a different way of going about this or any other form or exercise regimen. Again, that is why it is so important to seek out professionals. Pilates in particular is a difficult practice. If the proper instruction is not received, the person trying the exercises could do more harm than good especially in the case of a curved spine.
Talking to a Pilates expert or speaking with a family doctor is important advice to give to a scoliosis sufferer that is considering starting stretch, strength and cardio exercises.
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