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Pilates and Back Pain

Pilates - Effective for Back Pain

By , About.com Guide

Updated March 22, 2008

About.com Health's Disease and Condition content is reviewed by our Medical Review Board

Pilates is a system that blends stretching, strengthening and core abdominal work into some very challenging exercises. It is one form of core strengthening work.

Pilates is excellent for the prevention of back pain and injury.

Pre-Pilates is preparation work that teaches the basics of the Pilates method. It is generally a safe and effective way to use Pilates for chronic back pain.

Pilates is also effective after the initial phases of an injury have passed, to help heal, stretch and strengthen.

When Pilates is taught by a qualified professional, it is effective in posture education, which will help to prevent re-injury. The operative phrase here is "qualified professional". You want to be sure your Pilates instructor is skilled, or better yet, seasoned, in matters of back and neck pain.

Below are a few resources that may help you find the best Pilates experience for your back and neck:

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