Chronic low back pain is a debilitating and common condition with high societal and economic costs. Epidemiological studies suggest that 65% to 90% of all adults experience low back pain at some time in his or her life (Natour, Cazotti, Ribeiro, Baptista, & Jones, 2015). Growing evidence indicates that complementary and alternative medicine (CAM), such as Pilates, may help in its treatment and management (Potter, Perry, Stockert, & Hall, 2017).
The Pilates Method
The Pilates method is a system of movement and therapeutic exercise developed over a span of 60 years by German born athlete and physical therapist, Joseph H. Pilates. The method is based on ten basic principles: body awareness, balance, breath, concentration, centering, control, …show more content…
In a study investigating the effectiveness of the Pilates method, Natour et al. (2015) concluded that the Pilates method was effective in reducing pain and improving function and quality of life in patients with low back pain. Additionally, a reduction in non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs was observed in the patients over the course of the study. These results were observed over a ninety-day period of twice weekly 50-minute classes. While some changes may be seen immediately—for instance, a change in body awareness, muscle activation, or alignment—it takes time for most changes and adaptations to become imprinted in the neuromuscular system, for muscles to transform, and for the transformation to be integrated into a person’s life. Research suggests that such changes and pain management requires dedication to regular Pilates sessions three times a week for at least six weeks (Isacowitz, …show more content…
As advocates for the delivery of dignified and holistic care, nurses should collaborate with the interprofessional team regarding incorporating Pilates into the patient’s pain management treatment to improve his or her well-being. If necessary, nurses should consult with a physical therapist (Potter et al., 2017). Additionally, nurses should help direct patients to reputable Pilates studios or to physical therapists who are also Pilates instructors. Nurses should also educate patients about the cost of Pilates. Although most Pilates studios do not take health insurance, some do accept health savings accounts (HSAs). It is important to remember that individuals with chronic pain may experience temporary increases in pain due to therapeutic exercise and may become discouraged. Nurses must educate patients to expect potential flare-ups in pain and not terminate treatment before achieving maximal therapeutic responses. It is important to help the patient distinguish new symptoms that may signify an adverse response to Pilates from the “good” discomfort that normally occurs when beginning a new Pilates program (Isacowitz,
The Pilates Method
The Pilates method is a system of movement and therapeutic exercise developed over a span of 60 years by German born athlete and physical therapist, Joseph H. Pilates. The method is based on ten basic principles: body awareness, balance, breath, concentration, centering, control, …show more content…
In a study investigating the effectiveness of the Pilates method, Natour et al. (2015) concluded that the Pilates method was effective in reducing pain and improving function and quality of life in patients with low back pain. Additionally, a reduction in non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs was observed in the patients over the course of the study. These results were observed over a ninety-day period of twice weekly 50-minute classes. While some changes may be seen immediately—for instance, a change in body awareness, muscle activation, or alignment—it takes time for most changes and adaptations to become imprinted in the neuromuscular system, for muscles to transform, and for the transformation to be integrated into a person’s life. Research suggests that such changes and pain management requires dedication to regular Pilates sessions three times a week for at least six weeks (Isacowitz, …show more content…
As advocates for the delivery of dignified and holistic care, nurses should collaborate with the interprofessional team regarding incorporating Pilates into the patient’s pain management treatment to improve his or her well-being. If necessary, nurses should consult with a physical therapist (Potter et al., 2017). Additionally, nurses should help direct patients to reputable Pilates studios or to physical therapists who are also Pilates instructors. Nurses should also educate patients about the cost of Pilates. Although most Pilates studios do not take health insurance, some do accept health savings accounts (HSAs). It is important to remember that individuals with chronic pain may experience temporary increases in pain due to therapeutic exercise and may become discouraged. Nurses must educate patients to expect potential flare-ups in pain and not terminate treatment before achieving maximal therapeutic responses. It is important to help the patient distinguish new symptoms that may signify an adverse response to Pilates from the “good” discomfort that normally occurs when beginning a new Pilates program (Isacowitz,