A new study confirms that Pilates offers many benefits for treating musculoskeletal conditions

The first study to look at the impact of Pilates on the daily lives of people with chronic conditions has recently been published in Musculoskeletal Care. Including 7 men and 15 women with a range of chronic musculoskeletal conditions, the study aligned with previous work in relation to physical benefits but also found additional benefits to the patients.

The conditions treated with Pilates included nonspecific low back pain, peripheral joint osteoarthritis and a range of postsurgical conditions. Highly reported benefits included an increased ability to achieve an active lifestyle, psychosocial benefits, and the ability for patients to manage their own condition more effectively.

In summary, the net result was a holistic improvement in physical and mental health and a positive influence for social aspects of the patients’ lives.

Co-author Lynne Gaskell, of the University of Salford, in the UK stated: "The study was unique in that it investigated individual perceptions of the impact of Pilates on the daily lives of people with a myriad of chronic musculoskeletal conditions. The Pilates based exercise program was a facilitator to enable the participants to function better and manage their condition more effectively and independently."

"Improving function in meaningful daily activities produced psychological and social benefits that increased motivation to adhere to the program and promote a healthier lifestyle."

Our Physiotherapist and Exercise Physiologist led Pilates classes are suitable for a range of conditions and injuries. To find out if these may be right for you, pop us an email to [email protected] or call us on 07 3706 3407.