For anyone suffering with Artritis, simple daily tasks can be difficult or take longer to do. Frequently adaptions may be needed to complete everyday tasks, or changes in lifestyle are required to manage the condition.
Worry no more, we’ve discovered a miraculous solution to this debilitating condition: Pilates for Arthritis! Yes, you haven’t misread this.
Pilates is a low-impact exercise which emphasises core muscle stability, spinal flexibility, and maintaining joint mobility, all this can help to relieve arthritis pain and improve your overall quality of life.
Diagnosis of this condition has increased by 40% in the UK between 2004 and 2020. It’s believed that over 1% of adults and over 2.5% of those aged over 65 years in England have had a diagnosis in their GP records.
Not only is Pilates a great option for those with arthritis, but it’s also a fantastic way to stay active and healthy. So, if you’re looking for a way to relieve arthritis pain and improve your overall well-being, look no further than Pilates.
What are the Benefits of Pilates (for Arthritis)?
The benefit of Pilates for arthritis is that it emphasises on core muscle stability, spinal flexibility, and maintaining or improving the range of motion of joints. This makes Pilates an ideal low-impact exercise recommended for adults with arthritis.
Pilates is performed using a Mat without impact, making it perfect for people with arthritis who need to avoid high-impact exercises which can cause pain and discomfort.
Pilates improves flexibility and range of motion, it can also help to strengthen muscles, improve posture, and increase overall body awareness. These benefits can help to reduce the risk of falls and improve the ability to perform daily activities, such as walking, standing, and lifting.
Pilates is an adaptable form of exercise, modifications can be made for those with arthritis, such as avoiding deep flexing of the knee by choosing another position to stretch the lower back. Pilates is a customisable program which can be tailored to individual needs and abilities.
How to Modify Pilates Exercises for Arthritis?
Pilates can seem daunting, but with the right modifications, it can be a game-changer for managing arthritis pain. It’s important to listen to your body, only do what you can and work with a qualified Instructor who can help modify the exercises to suit your needs. Communication between the Instructor and Client is vital.
Some modifications include avoiding deep knee flexion, by choosing positions that don’t put too much strain on the knees, these include lying down or sitting.
In some cases, we must avoid certain exercises which put too much pressure on the joints, such as planks or push-ups. Instead, we can focus on exercises which work on maintaining range of motion of the joints, stretching or the breathing.
With these modifications, I’ve seen significant improvements in my Clients flexibility, strength, and overall quality of life.
Precautions and Helpful Tips
When starting a new exercise program, it’s always important to consult with a doctor prior to commencement. Always warm up properly to prevent injury, this is especially true for people with arthritis, as they may have specific needs and limitations.
It’s vital to find a qualified Pilates instructor with experience working with people with arthritis to ensure that modifications are available where necessary.
When doing Pilates for arthritis, it’s important to listen to your body and not push beyond your limits. Discomfort initially is very normal, but if it persists or worsens, it’s important to discuss this with your Instructor for more modifications, if this doesn’t resolve it talk to a doctor.
It’s also important to stay hydrated, take breaks when needed, and avoid overexertion. With these precautions and tips in mind, Pilates can be a safe and effective way to relieve arthritis pain and improve overall quality of life.
Precautions and Helpful Tips
Can Pilates cure arthritis?
No, sadly Pilates can’t cure arthritis, but it can greatly improve the quality of life for those suffering with the condition. With low-impact exercises which work on joint mobility and core stability, Pilates can help reduce pain and increase overall physical function.
Do I need specialised equipment for Pilates if I have arthritis?
No, it’s not necessary to use specialised equipment for Pilates if you have arthritis. Low-impact exercises that focus on the joint range of motion, core stability, and spinal flexibility can all be done on a mat.
When starting a new exercise program, it’s always important to consult with a doctor prior to commencement. Always warm up properly to prevent injury, this is especially true for people with arthritis, as they may have specific
How long will it take to see results from Pilates for arthritis?
Expect to see and feel results from Pilates for arthritis within only a few weeks of consistent practice. However, the benefits may vary based on the severity of arthritis and other individual factors.
Conclusion
Pilates can be a game-changer for those suffering from arthritis. With its low-impact exercises which focus on joint mobility, core stability, and spinal flexibility, Pilates can help reduce pain and improve overall physical function
I start my stretch class on a Friday morning and on bending down am about 8 inches from the floor with my legs straight. After 1/2 an hour of stretch I can get my finger tips on the floor, with my legs straight. Brilliant.