Pilates anyone?

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pattinghamponies

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I've had lower back pain on and off for the past 20 years or so. I've tried all sorts from GP, physio, osteo, applications, back support, bone scan etc etc. Some success with the osteopath but I now find that's now working.
Anyone tried Pilates? Apparently it's good for horse riders, but I'm slightly loathe to try something else when nothing seems to work!
 
Pilates is fantastic, at the time you don't feel like you're working very hard but the next day... boy you know about it! I've not been going for a couple of months and I can tell the difference in my posture both in and out of the saddle, I need to get back in there.

Its a full body work out but every exercise also involves the core muscles, if you strengthen these muscles it should give more support to your lower back, just make sure you tell the instructor about your back problems and she'll advise you if you need to do any of the exercises slightly differently.
 
Thanks - I'll give it a go! My instructor (riding that is, not Pilates) is always talking about using core muscles - so hopefully it will help results in the saddle as well as my back. It's being run by a lady in our Riding Club, so aimed at riders :-)
 
Oooo if your user name is a give-away to where you are based, then I was considering this as well! ;) :)
But as the forecast isn't great for the end of the week, I'm going to ride tonight, but do intend on giving this a go as I've been looking for a class locally, I also have stiffness and soreness in my lower back.
 
pattinghamponies said:
I've had lower back pain on and off for the past 20 years or so. I've tried all sorts from GP, physio, osteo, applications, back support, bone scan etc etc. Some success with the osteopath but I now find that's now working.
Click to expand...

This could be me! Pilates worked for me. Not only can I now manage my back pain, including the really annoying and debilitating neck/shoulder pain I used to get (which was bad enough to immobilise me and make me cry), but I've corrected my pelvic rotation and am now working on my wonky ribcage.

The downside... I had to find a really good instructor with small weekly classes, plus I have private sessions once every three months or so, during which she works out a routine based on my problems. I then do those exercises about 5 times a week (should be daily really).

So yes, it works, but don't expect brilliant results from a simple weekly class not targeted at your problems, or a mediocre instructor - just like riding, really! :D
 
I adore Pilates: it has helped my lower back pain (I have profound lordosis, and my Pilates instructor noticed it as quickly as my physio did) and it's helped. I cannot believe its effects on my riding: have missed the past 3 weeks due to work and have felt like a column of jelly without it. I cannot recommend it highly enough!
 
Best thing I ever did!

Have tried Chiro, physio, osteo, GP the works...Pilates works long term and you can start to help yourself which is brilliant.

Make sure you find a 'true' instructor...not one that offers a large class at a gym (some are good...but many are not from my experience). If you are with a gym...do some research about the instructor.

The one I used was amazing and truly understood peoples capabilities. I can now do the exercises at home

You have have already looked into podiatry...but with lower back pain its worth looking at this too. I find my Ariats help for example.
 
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