Study Finds Pilates Effective at Improving Balance and Reducing Pain in Older Women

A small Spanish study published in August 2015 evaluated the effects of six weeks of Pilates on functional balance, fear of falling and chronic low-back pain in women over age 65.

Although Pilates is widely recommended by many physicians for older adults due to its positive effects on chronic low-back pain, balance, and fall prevention, until recently there have been few studies evaluating the effects of Pilates on this population. The objective of this study was to analyze the short term effects of Pilates and physical therapy on factors such as: fear of falling, functional balance, and lumbar pain in women older than 65 with chronic low-back pain. 

A single blind controlled randomized trial of six weeks of Pilates in addition to physiotherapy vs. physiotherapy treatment only was conducted on 97 women with chronic low-back pain. Both groups received the same physiotherapy two times per week for six weeks, while the Pilates group also received two sessions per week of Pilates (one hour per session). Patients were excluded from the study if they missed more than three sessions during the six-weeks. Patients were evaluated at baseline and again after six weeks of treatment.

Joseph Pilates at age 59

Researchers concluded that the Pilates group showed improvement in fear of falling and functional mobility and balance after treatment, and also had better results in pain reduction than the physiotherapy-only group.

"In 10 sessions, you will feel the difference. 

In 20, you will see the difference. 

And in 30, you will be on your way to having a whole new body..." 

-- Joseph Pilates

After 12 Pilates sessions, this group of older women living with chronic low-back pain showed improvement in fear of falling, functional mobility and balance, as well as reduced pain compared to patients who only received physiotherapy. Imagine what 10 Pilates sessions can do for you?

Workshop: Postural Alignment to Reduce Daily Aches & Pains

We've had a request to teach a workshop on postural alignment to reduce daily aches and pains. 

Do you wake up with at stiff neck? Ever wonder why your knees or hips hurt especially on one side? Do you find yourself slouching in your chair or while driving? Do you round your shoulders while working or driving? Do you experience low back or sciatic pain after sitting?

We'll help you feel and see how your body should be aligned and give you some tips to help keep it that way, along with stretches for when muscles get tight.

Postural Alignment to 
Reduce Daily Aches & Pains

Sat, May 16, 10:30AM

Any Body's Pilates Studio

845-1B Savannah Highway 

(Entrance on Daniel Street)
Call 843.732.3228 for more information or to register

Pilates Can Help with Lower Back Pain

A research study published in Clinical Rehabilitation focused on people with chronic lower back pain and concluded that improvements in pain, function and quality of life were improved in a 90 day period compared to those who did no exercises.

Researchers from Universidade Federal de Sao Paulo in Sao Paolo, conducted a study with 60 patients who suffered from chronic, non-specific lower back pain. The researchers split the patients into an experimental and a control group. The experimental group practiced Pilates twice per week for 50 minutes over a 90 day period. Both groups continued with non steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs. Results showed that Pilates participants improved in pain, function and quality of life and used less pain medication. 

The researchers' conclusion:
"The pilates method can be used by patients with lower back pain (LBP) to improve pain, function and aspects related to quality of life (functional capacity, pain and vitality). Moreover, this method has no harmful effects on such patients."