PILATES FOR BACK PAIN
How Pilates can help & the services we offer

WHAT CAUSES BACK PAIN?
Back pain is a complex issue, affected by our sedentary lifestyles, stress, a lack of strength and mobility, and other factors. The good news is that the solution to getting over back pain (if implemented with commitment) is pretty simple. If you start to move more, gain strength and mobility and reduce stress, it’s likely that your back pain will start to disappear.
You might be in a space right now where you’re scared to move in case you make your back pain worse. It’s very normal to be in that place if you’ve been experiencing pain. Pilates will help you build up mobility and strength over time in a way that’s comfortable and manageable for you. Gradually, you will gain confidence moving and suddenly you will be able to do things that you never dreamed of at the beginning! It’s a journey that requires time and commitment but we will work with you where you are right now, and help you trust your body again.
SOUND FAMILIAR?
- Sitting for too long makes your back ache like hell
- Standing up hurts your back too
- You’re scared of moving in case it makes your back ‘go’
- Physios can’t tell you what’s wrong
- It comes and goes without a pattern or any rhyme or reason
- Your back pain gets you down
- You feel like you’ve tried everything and nothing has worked
WHY DOES PILATES SPECIFICALLY HELP BACK PAIN?
There are many reasons why Pilates is such an effective way to help with back pain, explained in more detail below.
Movement – The old theory of resting to get through back pain is long gone. It has been proven that the best way to get through back pain is to get moving!
Core strength – Pilates exercises often target core strength, which can help to reduce back pain.
Spinal control – Pilates will teach you how to move effectively through all parts of the spine, rather than only moving the parts of the spine that are very mobile. Often moving too much through the flexible parts of your spine can cause pain, rather than the stiff parts of your spine. Pilates will help you learn how to control movement in the mobile parts of your spine.
Posture – Good posture helps to reduce any excess pressure being placed on muscles, ligaments or discs. By improving your posture in class, you will begin to take this out into your daily life.
Joint mobilisation – Sometimes back pain can be exacerbated through a lack of flexibility in other joints, such as the shoulders or hips. Increasing mobility in these larger joints can reduce pain you are experiencing in your back.
Stress relief – Chronic pain is deeply intertwined with your emotional state. Often back pain can flare up in times of intense stress or anxiety. Focusing on breathing and movement for an hour can release stress. Many clients say they sleep much better the night after taking a Pilates class!
WHY DOES PILATES HELP REDUCE BACK PAIN?

SERVICES WE OFFER
1:1 Consultation

1-1 Consultation
Postural & Movement Assessment
Online or In Person
Strategies and Resources
Ankor Back Care Plan

Monthly 1-1
Weekly Group Classes
Personalised Exercise Plan
Regular Check Ins, Support, and Motivation
Online Resources

Coming Soon …
FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS
I Have Back Pain, Should I Come To A 1:1 Or Group Class?
I'm Currently Experiencing Acute Back Pain, Should I Start Pilates?
What Happens In An Initial 1:1 Session?
Following our discussion, we will do a brief postural assessment and a movement assessment, in order to assess your body and see how you move. Then we will give you 5-6 tailored ‘homework’ exercises for you to take away and practice in your own time. Depending on your pain and current levels of movement, we may also set some shared goals together. You will also receive information about back pain, so that you can learn more about back pain in your own time.
I Have Sciatica, Should I Come To Pilates?
I Have Disc Issues, Will Pilates Help?
We would recommend that you come for an initial consultation with us before joining group classes, as each person’s disc issues are individual. Before you join group classes we need to assess which movements will be good for you.
Can MRI Scans Show What Is Causing Pain?
How Long Will It Take For My Back Pain To End?
The journey out of pain is also not going to be a straightforward, linear journey. Almost everyone experiences new incidents of pain, but over time the incidents become much less frequent, less intense, and they take less time to bounce back from. If you commit to working with us and you are motivated, you will end your back pain.