Pilates Exercises for Scoliosis
Do exercises help with scoliosis? Many people struggling with this condition ask themselves this question and search the internet for answers. Scoliosis is a condition with many faces, but certain exercises can strengthen the back muscles enough to reduce the associated symptoms.
Pilates – it is precisely this method that takes the leading place among exercises that improve the condition of the spine. If scoliosis affects you or someone close to you, remember that exercises should be started gradually, increasing the level of difficulty. A pace that is too fast can cause back pain.
What exactly is scoliosis? How does Pilates help with scoliosis? How to exercise to feel improvement? Discover effective ways and reduce the symptoms of scoliosis!
WHAT IS SCOLIOSIS?
Scoliosis is a serious spinal condition that affects the entire body. The changes that occur during scoliosis involve the entire thoracic cavity, pelvis, lower limbs, head position, and even the functioning of organs and systems – muscular, fascial, and ligamentous. When the spine is curved, the abnormalities that appear in the thoracic system and ribs significantly hinder the functioning of the respiratory and circulatory systems, thereby reducing the body’s efficiency.
Scoliosis is not the same in every case. There are several classifications of scoliosis. Depending on the degree of curvature, we distinguish between grade I, grade II, and grade III scoliosis. The location of the curvature can also vary – here we mention cervical-thoracic, thoracic, thoracolumbar, lumbar, as well as double thoracic and lumbar scoliosis.
Scoliosis can develop at various ages. This condition affects infants and young children – between 6 months and 3 years of age. Childhood scoliosis (between 4 and 10 years of age, usually in girls) and adolescent scoliosis (which occurs during puberty, also more often in girls) are also common.
The causes of scoliosis are not fully understood. There are theories pointing to congenital factors, muscle tone disorders, growth disorders, and many other reasons. If you have to fight scoliosis, do not blame yourself, but take action!
HOW DOES PILATES IMPROVE SPINAL CONDITION IN SCOLIOSIS?
Pilates will not completely cure scoliosis, but it will significantly improve your overall health, fitness, and well-being. Many individual cases show that systematic work can lead to the straightening of the spine. However, this requires the proper selection of exercises and hard work.
Studies of patients with scoliosis who regularly practiced Pilates showed the following changes:
- improvement in spinal flexibility,
- increased mobility (range of motion) of the spine,
- strengthening and stabilization of the muscles around the joints,
- reduction of back pain.
A significant advantage of Pilates in the case of scoliosis is the fact that it works holistically, meaning it affects the condition of the entire body. Remember that scoliosis is not just a spinal disease. It affects the whole organism. In more severe cases, it hinders the functioning of many systems, including the respiratory, circulatory, digestive, and nervous systems. Taking this into account, the choice of an exercise plan must be tailored not only to the condition of the spine itself but also to how it affects the rest of the organs.
The excellent results you can achieve by practicing Pilates with scoliosis are also possible thanks to specialized machines characteristic of this discipline. The Cadillac allows for positioning and working the body in various planes. The spine corrector is a machine that – as its name suggests – was created for spinal correction. It adapts its shape to the curves of the spine. For those with scoliosis, a barrel is also useful – it helps open the chest and allows for stretching the back and sides of the body in high positions.
THE BEST EXERCISES FOR STRENGTHENING THE SPINE AND IMPROVING POSTURE
In cases of scoliosis, exercises using Pilates machines are most effective. Discover some of them:
1. Roll down using the roll down bar on the spine corrector
This exercise utilizes the Cadillac and spine corrector. These two pieces of equipment work excellently together when you want to mobilize and lengthen your spine while simultaneously strengthening your abdominal muscles and stabilizing the shoulder girdle. While performing it, you rest your buttocks on the lower part of the spine corrector. Grasp the springs with your hands and slowly, vertebra by vertebra, lay your spine on the higher part of the spine corrector, leaning back.
2. Chest expansion
You will perform this exercise on the barrel. Lie your spine on the barrel, resting your feet against the ladder. Gently arch back while keeping your hands clasped behind your neck. This position mobilizes the spine, opens the chest, and strengthens the abdominal muscles.
3. Standing lean back
Grab the springs with both hands and press your feet against the ground while leaning back. The goal of this exercise is elongation, which means lengthening the spine and stabilizing it. Leaning back also strengthens the abdominal muscles and stabilizes the shoulder girdle.
Pilates exercises are an excellent support for your spine. As you practice, you will feel your body working and gradually moving towards the correct posture. For your health – it’s worth it!
I am a graduate in Managerial Economics as well as Finance and Accounting, with a specialization in Marketing. Since 2018, I have been working as a Copywriter at Balanced Body, where I create marketing content for the fitness and Pilates industries. One of my particular strengths is translating complex topics into accessible language and accurately analyzing the needs of target audiences. Outside of work, I am passionate about fire shows and volleyball, which helps me better understand the needs of physically active people.