Pilates for Sciatica

Pilates for sciatica is a form of exercise therapy specifically designed to strengthen the core and postural muscles in the torso and back. Pilates was originally developed as a rehabilitation program for wounded soldiers, so its medical affiliation traces back to the beginning of the system.

Pilates for Sciatica Therapy

Pilates is a difficult form of calisthenics. The program does not use weights, but does incorporate unusual spring tension apparatus for many exercises. Pilates promotes core body strength and might be a good addition to a therapy program for any patient with chronic muscular pain and weakness. However, Pilates can be very difficult for some back pain and sciatica patients to perform, making it a less attractive choice, when compared to other gentler forms of activity, such as swimming or tai chi.

Sciatica Pilates Indications

Pilates will not cure any spinal abnormality and will not resolve the underlying emotional causations generally responsible for chronic ischemic sciatica. It will however, provide temporary symptomatic relief from some forms of muscle pain, by increasing circulation to the affected areas of the body. Pilates is rigorous and strenuous, making it difficult for many patients to perform, even without the burden of back pain. However, most of these sciatica exercises can be modified to make them more applicable to a less athletic participant. To learn more about Pilates, contact a qualified fitness trainer or physical therapist who uses the techniques as part of their rehabilitation repertoire.

Pilates for Sciatica Advice

I have used many Pilates techniques throughout my martial arts career for building muscular strength in the abdominals and back muscles. The exercises are simple in theory, yet extremely physically taxing to perform. I particularly like using applied isometric training in combination with Pilates work…

This being said, I do not generally advise Pilates, or any exercise therapy, as a potential cure for sciatica. The best a patient can hope to achieve is minor temporary relief in most instances. I feel it is best to pursue a real and permanent solution rather than devoting time to a quick, but temporary, fix. Of course, if you are looking for natural symptomatic relief to avoid taking pain management drugs while looking for a real cure, then by all means, Pilates might be a great option to consider…

Pilates for Sciatica to Sciatica Home
7/29/09 Revised 12/16/09