Osteoarthritis is a condition that causes joints to become painful and stiff. It’s the most common type of arthritis in the UK. The main symptoms of arthritis are joint pain and stiffness which can lead to problems moving the joint.
Treatment for Osteoarthritis
Exercise should be at the top of the list for treatment and prevention of osteoarthritis. Although you cannot completely prevent arthritis, through exercise you can ensure the joints and muscles surrounding them are in the best condition to withstand the load going through the joint on a daily basis. Often people can be fearful of exercise as they are concerned it may make the symptoms worse. This can cause a negative spiral as when you do less, the muscles get weaker and the joints then can be stiffer and lead to more pain and reduced function. Exercise is safe and beneficial in osteoarthritis and should be encouraged for all at the appropriate level.
What is Pilates?
Pilates is a form of low impact exercises that incorporates deep breathing with strengthening and stretching movements. It can help improve strength, flexibility, and posture with particular focus on the core muscles, low back, pelvic floor and glute muscles. Regular pilates practice can help improve posture, muscle strength, balance and joint mobility, as well as relieve stress and tension.
Will Pilates help my osteoarthritis?
Pilates is a brilliant form of exercise for osteoarthritis and can help in numerous ways. It is very beneficial as part of a comprehensive treatment plan.
- As it is low impact it is safe and protective for your joints.
- Pilates incorporates entire body therefore creating body awareness ensuring the whole body is working well and integrating effectively in your daily activities.
- The gentle movement of pilates can help ease any joint pain and stiffness and result in a smoother motion in your joints with increased flexibility. This gentle movement can also increase circulation.
- Pilates will build muscle strength and endurance, therefore creating better protection and stability for your joints.
- The exercises can be adapted to different levels making them more challenging or less strenuous to suit your specific needs and ability.
- Pilates can also help with postural alignment and balance. Balance is often affected in osteoarthritis due to the degeneration of cartilage in the joints. However regular pilates can help improve your sense of balance and body awareness.
How do I get started with Pilates?
Here at Physiofit we can offer you 1:1 pilates sessions with our physiotherapists on the mat or pilates equipment, where we can offer you a programme that is tailored to your individual need. Everyone with arthritis is different and will have different goals. We will assess you as an individual and help you identify areas or exercises that may be beneficial to you and also be able to show you specific modifications to some exercises that will suit your ability. We also offer specific on-line classes for older adults or beginners’ classes that are a great way to begin your pilates journey. As you progress, we also have more advanced classes you can progress onto. Please contact us on 01223 914140 or contact us via email at enquiries@vineryroadstudios.co.uk for more details.