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Contrary to the 80’s music clips with fluro leotards and aerobic fitness vids, when it comes to Clinical Pilates, our approach here at Evolve is much more classic!

Clinical Pilates is a form of physical exercise that focuses on posture, core stability, balance, control, strength, flexibility, and breathing.

The Pilates Method was developed by Joseph Pilates in the early 20th century in Germany.

These days, Clinical Pilates is often used in conjunction with physiotherapy as a means of treating a variety of injuries, particularly those of the neck and back – but can also be beneficial for the shoulder, hip, knee and ankle.

Clinical Pilates centres on the retraining and recruitment of stabilizing muscles (core stability) and is focused on pain free movement.

So why do we want to offer this form of treatment to our valued clients here at Evolve?

Well, put simply, increasing research into this form of exercise rehabilitation as a form of treatment is showing statistically significant benefits in reducing pain, particularly in low back patients.

In this 2006 article (Pilates-Based Therapeutic Exercise: Effect on Subjects With Nonspecific Chronic Low Back Pain and Functional Disability: A Randomized Controlled Trial) published in the Journal of Orthopaedic & Sports Physical Therapy, a randomized controlled trial, with a 3, 6, and 12 month follow-up was carried out. The objective was to investigate the effectiveness of an individualised therapeutic Pilates exercise approach in a population with chronic low back pain (LBP).

Thirty-nine physically active subjects between 20 and 55 years old with chronic lower back pain were randomly assigned to 1 of 2 groups. The specific-exercise-training group participated in a 4-week program consisting of training on specialized (Pilates) exercise equipment, while the control group received the usual care; consultation with a physician and other specialists and healthcare professionals, as necessary.

Results showed significantly reduced levels of functional disability and lower levels of pain intensity in the Pilates group as opposed to the control group. Excitingly this reduction in pain and disability was maintained over a 12 month follow up period!

Other recent studies have also shown decrease in the need for anti-inflammatory medication when therapy involves a specific clinical Pilates program. This means giving your gut a break from those tummy upsetting drugs and substituting it with an activity that could improve your overall tone and strength. Pretty great swap if you ask me!

At Evolve we run classes daily. Classes are limited to 4 people so that attention to detail and form is maintained and consist of both mat work and reformer exercises. We also have the opportunity for you to partake in one on one sessions. It is highly recommended that you carry out at least one individual session so that a thorough assessment can be performed and a pain free, individualised program can be created for YOUR BODY.

Live smart. Evolve.

Link to the article here:

http://www.jospt.org/doi/abs/10.2519/jospt.2006.2144?code=jospt-site