Chronic low back pain is a common health problem in Australia, affecting approximately one in
six people. According to the Australian Institute of Health and Welfare, around 3.7 million
Australians suffer from chronic low back pain, making it one of the most prevalent chronic
health conditions in the country. Chronic low back pain can have a significant impact on a
person’s quality of life, limiting their ability to perform daily activities and participate in work
and social activities.

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Pilates in physiotherapy has been shown to be an effective method to reduce low back pain, and create long-
lasting impact on one’s mobility, strength, and function. Pilates is a form of exercise that
involves controlled, precise movements that aim to enhance core stability, spinal alignment,
and overall flexibility. Below, are a few reasons in which Pilates can help with back pain.

1. Improves core strength: Pilates is an excellent way to improve the strength of your core
muscles, including your abdominals and back muscles. This increased strength helps to support
the spine and reduces the strain on the lower back.

2. Increases flexibility: Tight muscles can be a major contributor to low back pain. Pilates
can help to increase flexibility and reduce muscle tension, which can help to alleviate pain and
discomfort.

3. Improves posture: Poor posture is a common cause of low back pain. Pilates can help to
improve your posture by strengthening the muscles that support the spine and teaching you
how to maintain proper alignment throughout your day-to-day activities.

4. Reduces stress: Stress can contribute to low back pain by causing tension in the muscles
of the back and neck. Pilates is a great way to reduce stress and tension in the body, which can
help to alleviate pain and promote relaxation.

5. Low-impact exercise: Pilates is a low-impact form of exercise that is gentle on the joints.
This makes it an excellent option for people with low back pain who may not be able to tolerate
high-impact activities like running or jumping.

If you have low back pain, it’s always a good idea to talk to your healthcare provider before
starting any new exercise program. But if you’re looking for a way to manage your low back
pain, Pilates might be a good option for you.

Lim, E. C., Poh, R. L., Low, A. Y., & Wong, W. P. (2011). Effects of Pilates-based exercises on pain and
disability in individuals with persistent nonspecific low back pain: a systematic review with meta-
analysis. The Journal of orthopaedic and sports physical therapy, 41(2), 70–80.
https://doi.org/10.2519/jospt.2011.3393

Miyamoto, G. C., Costa, L. O., & Cabral, C. M. (2013). Efficacy of the Pilates method for pain and
disability in patients with chronic nonspecific low back pain: a systematic review with meta-analysis. Brazilian journal of physical therapy, 17(6), 517–532. https://doi.org/10.1590/S1413-35552012005000127

Wells, C., Kolt, G. S., Marshall, P., Hill, B., & Bialocerkowski, A. (2014). The effectiveness of Pilates
exercise in people with chronic low back pain: a systematic review. PloS one, 9(7), e100402.
https://doi.org/10.1371/journal.pone.0100402