How Pilates Can Help Manage Chronic Conditions
Learning to live with one or more long term conditions is a challenge. Staying as fit as possible helps manage symptoms and prevents some conditions from deteriorating. Pilates is one form of exercise that benefits people with a chronic condition such as back pain. Here’s how pilates can help in the management of long term conditions.
How Pilates Supports Chronic Conditions
Pilates is a safe exercise that focuses on balance.It was originally developed to help injured athletes return to exercise safely. It requires focus and concentration to enable the precise movement used in Pilates. By enabling people to relax and perform a series of movements, the effect on the body is to relax and strengthen it. When you start a pilates work out the focus you have on the movements will slow and regulate your breathing too. Slower and deeper breaths help keep your chest clear and avoid exacerbations of chronic lung conditions. Pilates also reduces stress by focusing on the moves and relaxing the body.One of the most important benefits of Pilates is its effect on balance. The exercises and movements in a Pilates program support people with posture, strengthening muscle tone, and balance. These exercises help avoid falls and improve mobility in chronic conditions such as arthritis. As part of a structured rehabilitation program for people with long term conditions, Pilates helps with improving fitness.
Where Pilates has Been Effective
There are several research studies that demonstrate the effectiveness of pilates in a chronic condition. Chronic pain is one area where pilates is effective as it enhances the muscular support system in the body which reduces pain. The exercises are also low impact and can be done seated or reclining. In chronic back pain pilates strengthens the weak core muscles that cause pain, leading to reduction in discomfort.
Pilates is also helpful in fibromyalgia as it uses breathing techniques to relax muscles and reduce tension. It also reduces the fatigue symptoms associated with fibromyalgia. Pilates is also effective in people with high blood pressure and in reducing cholesterol levels. People with multiple sclerosis find it helpful as it reduces fatigue and improves balance.
How to Find a Pilates Program
If you are new to pilates it is important to find a professional who can help especially if you have a chronic condition. They will be able to advise on a program suited to your needs. If you have a chronic condition and are unsure whether pilates will be suitable for you, check with your doctor first. Pilates is generally safe and will open up new opportunities for you to stay as fit as possibl
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