Pilates Effect on Spinal Deformities
Everyone is constantly using technology, whether on a computer or cell phone, often hunched causing a lack of strength and stability which can lead to various spinal deformities including scoliosis, lordosis, and kyphosis. Numerous symptoms arise from poor posture and/or a spinal deformity including back pains and muscular imbalances, but there it can also affect a person’s mental health and quality of life.
Although the physical symptoms listed above are commonly associated with older people, there is a growing amount of young people now experiencing these same symptoms due to their excessive device use. Additionally, individuals have become less physically active as they engage primarily in sedentary habits. Physical activity is not only crucial to support mental health, it can also aid in correcting body posture and reducing the intensity of symptoms associated with various chronic illnesses.
Pilates not only focuses on developing core and spinal strength, but also works to improve flexibility of the spine through stretching and lengthening it and increasing one’s body awareness. Pilates has been observed to be an effective exercise to improve posture but also benefit those with various spinal deformities. By increasing body awareness, individuals develop their contrology; a concept originally designed by Joseph Pilates, which enables them to integrate their extremities with their trunk to move as one whole unit. Improvements in posture, strength, and control of the body is linked to increases in a person’s self-image and esteem that further benefits their mental resilience to better manage potential future stressors.
Additionally, the reductions in back pains that have resulted from numerous Pilates sessions, have also been correlated with better quality of life. Although time frames of effectiveness is dependent on the number of weekly sessions, duration of each session, as well as individual differences, overall, engaging in Pilates in any sort of capacity is a habit and activity that can have positive effects on one’s posture, chronic illness symptoms, and spinal deformities, which can in turn, support and benefit one’s mental health as well.
At Cornerstone Movement Institute, we take a personalized approach to movement education. Whether you are managing a spinal condition, recovering from injury, or simply looking to move better and feel stronger, our goal is to help you develop the strength, awareness, and confidence to support your body for the long term.
To explore more on Pilates’ beneficial effects on spinal deformities, visit Li, Fangyi, et al. ‘Effects of Pilates Exercises on Spine Deformities and Posture: A Systematic Review’. BMC Sports Science, Medicine and Rehabilitation, vol. 16, Feb. 2024, p. 55. PubMed Central, https://doi.org/10.1186/s13102-024-00843-3.
Joyce-Rose Lee | Student Intern
Medical Sciences BSc/Psychology Minor and Co-Curricular Med Plus IV at Brock University