Pilates to improve posture & prevent back pain Knowledge Base
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Improve posture and prevent back pain with specialist physiotherapist led Pilates.

We all come in different shapes and sizes, and might have inherited varying physical characteristics so how do we know what good posture is? As qualified Chartered Physiotherapists we spend 80% of our working lives assessing, treating and prescribing rehabilitation exercises for varying conditions and we are very rarely aiming to make our patients fit the ideal perfect posture because we all have a different idea of what this is. Instead we look to achieve a balanced posture, with joints being comfortably held in a neutral (i.e.: ‘middle’ position) and muscles working equally with their opposite partner.

When assessing posture, we are initially looking to see how much effort is being used to simply stand up. Some joints might be held slightly bent (typically hips might become tight with too much sitting) whilst other joints are overly locked out straight (knees have a tendency to do this). We also look to see if some muscle groups over working (such as shoulders being kept hunched up with stress) and if other muscles not doing their fair share (weak abdominals might result in an overly arched lower back). We also may assess balance to look at factors such as one side being favoured over the other and if the pelvis can be held level when balancing on one foot. Recognising these problem areas allows us to then prescribe the right exercises to start correcting them.

Physiotherapy assessment

Assessing the spine is a good place to start because everything is attached ultimately to this structure.

A neutral spine means keeping the gentle forward and backward curves in place whilst we are stood upright. It is important to maintain these curves as they help to dissipate any gravitational stresses that travel up and down our spines with normal day-to-day activity. However over time we may lose these curves: an occupation that involves sitting for prolonged periods may tighten hamstrings, which can tip our pelvis backwards, flattening the lower back curve. On the other hand, abdominals weakened by weight gain or pregnancy might result in an overly exaggerated the lumbar spine’s curve.

Our physiotherapist Pilates instructors gained their qualifications at the Australian Physiotherapist and Pilates Institute. Modified Pilates, as taught by our physiotherapists, starts by teaching you how to recognise how we can hold our spine in a neutral position. We then show you how to recognise the feeling when you switch on the right type of muscles that are required to hold us in place – these are our postural muscles – also commonly known as our ‘core’.

Our body has deep stabilising muscles around most of our joints. The core muscles that stabilise our lower back consist of 4 sets of muscles – transverse abdominis at the front, multifidus in the back, the pelvic floor on the bottom and our breathing muscle, the diaphragm on the top. When these muscles work in unison they gently squeeze around our spine, holding it in place with our pelvis allowing safe and controlled movement in all directions. Latest research has shown that training these muscles can help to reduce back pain.

Everybody has a functioning core or they would not be able to stand or even sit upright! However it is necessary to recognise the sensation of it drawing in, in order to be able to help it get stronger. Otherwise it is likely that other muscles will work too hard in its place and then there is a risk of injury. We realise that we learn in different ways so we use a variety of teaching methods and cues to help you understand what’s working in your body, ranging from demonstration, visual imagery to verbal physical description and hands-on palpation.

During Modified Pilates classes and private one-to-one sessions in the clinic you are then shown a progression of exercises working top to toe, whilst maintaining the core recruitment, making you gradually fitter and stronger.

When the spine and pelvis are held steady, the other power muscles that are attached to them have a strong stable base to work from, making walking, running and all other movements easier, more powerful and efficient. And this is how Pilates helps us to better manage sciatica, back and neck pain as well as other conditions such as arthritis and fibromyalgia.

Physiotherapy-Led Pilates
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If you would like to know more about how we can help you, please contact us and one of our friendly team will be happy to discuss your needs, without obligation.

* Please note: If your treatment costs are to be paid directly by your health insurance company, we kindly ask that you contact us by phone or email to arrange your appointment.

0161 426 0100

enquiries@marplephysio.com

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At Marple Physiotherapy we pride ourselves on our excellent reputation. We therefore highly value the patient feedback we receive as we continually strive to improve our services.

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Simon M.
Liz was professional; accurate in her diagnosis; and her treatment effective. Also a lovely person. She resolved a long-standing neck problem within 5 weeks.
Response from the owner: Thanks for the great review Simon - happy to have helped.
Michelle H.
I had a problem with my neck and shoulder that was causing me a lot of debilitating pain. I booked into Marple Physio with Liz and I have to say that the treatment I received was first class. With Liz’s expert advice, magic hands and wisdom, in just a handful of sessions the pain and problem were no more. Following on from this treatment Liz recommended I try regular back, neck and shoulder massages to help prevent the problem reoccurring. She recommended Maria. Oh my days, Maria’s massages are beyond fantastic! I really look forward to the appointments and can definitely recommend them.I would without doubt recommend Marple Physio, the service is outstanding. Thank you so much Liz and Maria.
Response from the owner: Hi Michelle, Thank you for sharing your experiences at Marple Physio. We are pleased to have been of so much help.
Mark W.
I’m really pleased with the results of my physio sessions with Nicky. I had a pain all the way down the back of my left leg for over a year. It was uncomfortable all the time but when jogging the pain increased and it felt very tight. Plus I had mild pain in my lower back for over 20 years, which I assumed was due to me sitting at a desk all day everyday. I just accepted it over the years and tried to ignore it.The physio sessions focused on daily exercises and stretches. Over the sessions, more stretches were introduced and we ensured I was doing them all correctly. This was important, as I’d somehow managed to drift from what I’d been shown between the early sessions. Eventually, I nailed it and I now have no pain in my leg or lower back. I’m doing the Marple Parkrun every week and generally feel more relaxed, as I have no background pain.I wish I’d gone to Marple Physio sooner.Thanks Nicky.
Response from the owner: Happy to have helped, great stuff!
Karen S.
I've used Marple Physio for several issues relating to back, neck and jaw pain and the team are ace, I've had physio including acupuncture and Liz is fabulously attentive and caring. I've also recently had a sports massage with Hadiya. I went in with pain so distracting I was struggling to stand/walk and left feeling like a massive weight had been lifted and went to a concert and stood up all evening. Highly recommend them!
Ellie R.
I booked in for a sports massage after struggling with neck and shoulder pain. Nadia was absolutely amazing throughout, I’m now feeling so much better and I’m able to turn my neck again. Thank you so much Nadia!
M. G.
My son and I have both had physio treatment from Liz, who has been brilliant in helping us quickly improve our symptoms. She has gone out of her way to help us, and is a thoroughly kind and highly knowledgeable professional. Thank you so much!
Alan W.
I have used Marple Physio several times for a variety of musculoskeletal problems. They have always been very accessible, efficient and effective in treating me. They are my first port of call for anything of this kind.
Lara D.
I've had a few sports related injuries over the past few years and have seen both Nicky and Liz at Marple Physio. Both were super knowledgeable, understood the issue, and provided practical advice and exercises to help me quickly get back up and running (literally). I really recommend Marple Physio and have had nothing but good experiences. Thanks so much for all your help!
Paul M.
My 13 year old son was suffering from a lower back issue that was stopping him football training and playing for over 4 weeks and it was really getting him down. A single appointment at Marple physio did the trick. The issue was quickly diagnosed, treated and he was left feeling much better with some exercises that have completed his recovery. I would highly recommend Marple Physio.
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