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Athletes

Sports Spine Specialist Chiropractic Team: Athletes strive to achieve their body’s maximum performance by participating in numerous training regimens consisting of strenuous exercises and physical activity and ensuring they meet all of their body’s nutritional requirements. Through proper fitness and nutrition, many individuals can condition themselves to excel in their specific sport. Our training programs are designed for athletes that look to gain a competitive edge in their sport.

We provide sport-specific services to help increase an athlete’s performance through mobility, strength, and endurance. Occasionally, however, the excess workouts can lead many to suffer injuries or develop underlying conditions. Dr. Alex Jimenez’s chronicle of articles for athletes displays in detail the many forms of complications affecting these professionals while focusing on the possible solutions and treatments to follow to achieve overall well-being.


Yoga and Chiropractic Back Clinic

Yoga and Chiropractic Back Clinic

Chiropractic care focuses on whole-body health, restoring optimal body function, helping injuries heal/rehabilitate, and maintaining musculoskeletal health. Yoga is one of the most popular forms of fitness because it is not overly physically demanding but still increases flexibility and muscle tone, helps with weight loss, improves cardiovascular and circulatory health, and enhances breathing and energy levels. Yoga provides benefits that directly relate to chiropractic, making the treatment more effective.Yoga and Chiropractic

Yoga and Chiropractic

Yoga is an exercise focusing on mindfulness combined with deep stretches and focused breathing. Yoga focuses on balance, flexibility, and strength.

  • It helps to lower blood pressure and stress levels by releasing built-up tension.
  • It increases endurance and stamina.
  • It builds strength.
  • Helps to activate the body’s natural healing process.
  • It stretches the muscles, ligaments, and tendons, keeping them loose and flexible, enhancing chiropractic adjustments.

Chiropractic

Chiropractic is multi-faceted, restoring the wellness of the neuromusculoskeletal system that involves the nerves, muscles, and bones. It works holistically with the body’s natural processes to restore balance and overall health.

  • Realigns the spine.
  • Returns the natural shape of the body’s structure.
  • Clears interference from the nervous system.
  • Rejuvenates the body.

Customized chiropractic adjustments, spinal decompression, and traction treatment plans help shift spinal deformities back toward proper balance.

Strengthen Soft Tissues

Yoga and chiropractic work and strengthen all the:

  • Connective tissues
  • Muscles
  • Ligaments
  • Tendons
  • Increasing the strength of the joints throughout the body reduces stress and the risk of injury.

Promote Healing

Yoga and chiropractic:

  • Prepare the body for healing.
  • Stretch and elongate the body.
  • Release built-up tension and stress.
  • Activate the body for healing.

Prevent Injury

Yoga and chiropractic:

  • Maintain body alignment.
  • Increase balance.
  • Stretch and relieve tense muscles.
  • Ensure proper joint operation.
  • Make the body less susceptible to injury.

Educate Individuals About The Body

Chiropractors and yoga teachers can educate individuals on how the body works, maintaining muscle strength, teaching posture awareness, and nervous system function for a healthier life.


Yoga Body Flow


References

Biman, Saranga, et al. “Effects of yoga on stress, fatigue, musculoskeletal pain, and the quality of life among employees of the diamond industry: A new approach in employee wellness.” Work (Reading, Mass.) vol. 70,2 (2021): 521-529. doi:10.3233/WOR-213589

da Costa, Fernanda Mazzoni, et al.”“Effects of an intervention program with health education and hatha yoga on the health of professionals with musculoskeletal symptoms”” Revista brasileira de medicina do trabalho : publicacao oficial da Associacao Nacional de Medicina do Trabalho-ANAMT vol. 18,2 114-124. 11 Dec. 2020, doi:10.47626/1679-4435-2020-492

Hawk, Cheryl, et al.” Best Practices for Chiropractic Management of Patients with Chronic Musculoskeletal Pain: A Clinical Practice Guideline” Journal of alternative and complementary medicine (New York, N.Y.) vol. 26,10 (2020): 884-901. doi:10.1089/acm.2020.0181

Kolasinski, Sharon L et al.” 2019 American College of Rheumatology/Arthritis Foundation Guideline for the Management of Osteoarthritis of the Hand, Hip, and Knee” Arthritis care & research vol. 72,2 (2020): 149-162. doi:10.1002/acr.24131

www.nccih.nih.gov/health/providers/digest/use-of-yoga-meditation-and-chiropractic-by-adults-and-children-science

Urits, Ivan et al.” A Comprehensive Review of Alternative Therapies for the Management of Chronic Pain Patients: Acupuncture, Tai Chi, Osteopathic Manipulative Medicine, and Chiropractic Care” Advances in therapy vol. 38,1 (2021): 76-89. doi:10.1007/s12325-020-01554-0

Football Training: Chiropractic Back Clinic

Football Training: Chiropractic Back Clinic

Football season is here, and the sport demands healthy, strong bodies. It is explosive, with high-intensity plays lasting between 2-15 seconds. Strength and power are put out in a few moments then the player rests up and does it again. A football training chiropractor can take players to another level with therapeutic massage, body strengthening, and rehabilitation so that players can enjoy a healthy injury-free season.

Football Training: Chiropractor

Football Training

Stretching and Warm-Up

Stretching and a dynamic warm-up are essential to strengthening the body and preventing injury. Stretching is necessary to increase the range of motion in the muscles, especially when the body is in an awkward position; it can adapt. A dynamic warm-up increases the core temperature of the muscles and prepares the muscles, joints, and nervous system for the physical event. The critical muscles are the hip flexors, hamstrings, and calves. The warm-up consists of a series of progressive movement drills that include:

Proper stretching, followed by a dynamic warm-up, will maximize performance.

Cardio, Aerobic, and Anaerobic Fitness

  • Cardio training increases oxygen and blood circulation to play for a long time without getting tired.
  • Aerobic fitness increases oxygen and provides endurance to break through or enhance tackles, sustained effort, and strength.
  • Anaerobic fitness utilizes high-intensity exercises to challenge the body without using a lot of oxygen like cardio and aerobics do.
  • All are important, especially for players playing the whole or most of the game.

Core Strength

The core is where power and strength come from. It refers to the muscles around the trunk and pelvis, including the diaphragm, abdominal wall, low back, and hips. Reinforcing the core will enhance balance, stability, and efficiency and reduce the risk of injury. The core muscles under the washboard abs link upper-body power with lower-body torque. In-season strength training provides a progressive buildup to optimal fitness and performance. The focus is on the following:

  • Speed maintenance.
  • Aerobic and anaerobic fitness.
  • Strength and power.
  • Emphasis on injury prevention training stabilizer muscles for balance and agility.

A core workout could consist of the following:

It is recommended to allow at least two days between training sessions and games. Avoid strength training on the same day as working out on the field.

  • Rest entirely from strength training for one week in five.
  • Light workouts are fine.

Hydration

Football players have unique hydration needs due to the exposure to extreme heat or cold while wearing heavy equipment. Top-rated athletic trainers monitor weather conditions, length and time of day at practice and games, and the hydration levels of each player. Hydration recommendations include:

  • Hydrate before, during, and after practices and games.
  • Two to three hours before the game, drink 17 to 20 fluid ounces of water or a sports drink.
  • Ten to 20 minutes before the game, drink seven to 10 fluid ounces of water or a sports drink.
  • During practices, drink seven to 10 fluid ounces of water or sports drink every 10 to 20 minutes with the helmet off.
  • Post-practice/game, correct any fluid loss, ideally within two hours.
  • The hydration should contain water to restore hydration, carbohydrates to replenish glycogen stores, and electrolytes to speed the recovery process.

Football Training Chiropractic

Chiropractic care has become integral to NFL players’ health and training programs. All 32 teams have a chiropractor, and according to the Professional Football Chiropractic Society, the average NFL team chiropractor gives 30-50 treatments a week. Chiropractic treats conditions like neuromusculoskeletal strain injuries, neck pain, back pain, strains to the hamstring and quadriceps, and injuries caused by whiplash-like movements. Benefits include:

  • Increased strength
  • Increased endurance
  • Increased flexibility and mobility
  • Enhanced muscle efficiency
  • Pain relief
  • Injury Prevention

Chiropractic Care Player Testimonials


References

www.frontiersin.org/articles/10.3389/fphys.2019.00013/full

Iaia, F Marcello, et al. “High-intensity training in football.” International journal of sports physiology and performance vol. 4,3 (2009): 291-306. doi:10.1123/ijspp.4.3.291

Lorenz, Daniel, and Scot Morrison. “CURRENT CONCEPTS IN PERIODIZATION OF STRENGTH AND CONDITIONING FOR THE SPORTS PHYSICAL THERAPIST.” International journal of sports physical therapy vol. 10,6 (2015): 734-47.

Robbins, Daniel W. The Normalization of Explosive Functional Movements in a Diverse Population of Elite American Football Players. Journal of Strength and Conditioning Research: April 2012 – Volume 26 – Issue 4 – p 995-1000
doi: 10.1519/JSC.0b013e31822d53b7

Stump, John L, and Daniel Redwood. “The use and role of sports chiropractors in the national football league: a short report.” Journal of manipulative and physiological therapeutics vol. 25,3 (2002): E2. doi:10.1067/mmt.2002.122326

Zein MI, Saryono S, Laily I, Garcia-Jimenez JV. The effect of high-intensity circuit training-modified FIFA 11+ program on physical fitness among young football players. J Sports Med Phys Fitness 2020;60:11-6. DOI: 10.23736/S0022-4707.19.09813-X

Functional Fitness Conditioning: Back Clinic

Functional Fitness Conditioning: Back Clinic

Functional fitness conditioning exercises train the muscles for everyday activities safely and efficiently. It refers to exercises that simulate daily movements like standing, bending, reaching, jumping, twisting, pushing, pulling, squatting, lunging, turning, walking, and running. These exercises improve functional body strength to train the muscles to work together and prepare for daily tasks and chores that individuals do at home, at work, or in sports activities. Strengthening the muscles the same way they are needed for everyday tasks reduces the risk of injury, allowing individuals to go through the day without worrying about straining or pulling something.

Functional Fitness Conditioning Chiropractor

Functional Fitness Conditioning

Functional fitness conditioning exercises can be done at home, park, or gym and is an excellent way to combat restlessness and keep the body moving. Training the muscles to work the way they do daily prepares the body to move optimally and efficiently in various situations. Functional fitness exercises simultaneously utilize upper and lower body muscles to increase core stability and train the whole body. Examples include:

Combining strength training with exercises that mirror the movements of daily life increase overall strength and improves:

  • Balance
  • Endurance
  • Flexibility
  • Mobility

Various gyms or fitness centers may offer functional fitness conditioning classes or incorporate functional fitness into their exercise courses. Exercise equipment can include:

Primarily using body weight makes this strength training simple and safe for almost anybody. Functional fitness conditioning is laidback, requiring less equipment and intensity. The objective is to develop and strengthen the entire body to handle daily life while minimizing the risk of injury, making it suitable for individuals of all ages and fitness levels.

Benefits

These include benefits for overall health and physical performance.

Everyday life

  • Quality of life improves because of the stress relief factor.
  • This type of training has been reported to be more enjoyable because the training is for everyday life.

Increased muscle memory

  • Builds muscle and core strength and exercises the brain to increase memory.

Increased mobility

  • Improves balance
  • Coordination
  • Flexibility
  • Muscle strength
  • Agility

Improves balance and posture

  • Training and strengthening the muscles to manage/balance weight correctly reduces stress on the body.

Faster injury recovery

  • A strengthened body operates at optimal levels that improve repairing and healing capabilities.

It is recommended to check with your doctor before starting any new exercise program, and pregnant women should check with their doctors. A personal trainer, functional medicine, or sports chiropractor can discuss available conditioning options specific to the individual.


Functional Fitness


References

Fahlman, Mariane M et al. “Effects of resistance training on functional ability in elderly individuals.” American Journal of health promotion: AJHP vol. 25,4 (2011): 237-43. doi:10.4278/ajhp.081125-QUAN-292

Gerards, Marissa H G, et al. “Perturbation-based balance training to improve balance control and reduce falls in older adults – study protocol for a randomized controlled trial.” BMC geriatrics vol. 21,1 9. 6 Jan. 2021, doi:10.1186/s12877-020-01944-7

Pacheco, Matheus Maia, et al. “Functional vs. Strength training in adults: specific needs define the best intervention.” International Journal of sports physical therapy vol. 8,1 (2013): 34-43.

Pullyblank, Kristin, et al. “Effects of the Strong Hearts, Healthy Communities Intervention on Functional Fitness of Rural Women.” The Journal of rural health: official Journal of the American Rural Health Association and the National Rural Health Care Association vol. 36,1 (2020): 104-110. doi:10.1111/jrh.12361

Aqua Therapy For Low Back Pain

Aqua Therapy For Low Back Pain

Introduction

When it comes to the body, many factors can cause low back pain without a person knowing they encounter it. Simple actions like sitting, standing, and walking can be difficult or helpful, depending on the person’s actions. Since low back pain tends to vary from person to person and the possible factors that can cause low back pain make diagnosing a bit difficult. Fortunately, there are available treatments that can help manage low back pain symptoms and can help alleviate its associated symptoms in the body. Today’s article examines the causes and symptoms of low back pain, aqua therapy for low back pain, and how chiropractic care goes hand in hand with aqua therapy. We refer patients to certified providers specializing in musculoskeletal treatments and hydrotherapy to help many individuals with low back pain. We also guide our patients by referring to our associated medical providers based on their examination when it’s appropriate. We find that education is the solution to asking our providers insightful questions. Dr. Alex Jimenez DC provides this information as an educational service only. Disclaimer

The Causes Of Low Back Pain

 

Have you been feeling aches along the sides of your back? Do you feel stiff when hunched over for an extended period? Or does sitting down make the pain go away or worsen? Many of these factors are associated with signs that you could be suffering from low back pain. Low back pain is considered the leading disability causes worldwide, as studies reveal, which can be influenced by many factors that a person is going through. Anyone can risk developing low back pain as it can derive from different sources that overlap many potential issues. Some of the causes associated with low back pain vary depending on how severely the factors affect the individual, which includes:

  • Muscle and ligament sprain (Overused muscles and ligaments from injuries, poor posture, or lifting heavy objects)
  • Herniated discs/ degenerative disc disease (Spinal nerve root compression)
  • Joint dysfunction (Cartilage begins to wear down)
  • Spinal stenosis 
  • Trauma
  • Deformity
  • Osteoarthritis
  • Fractures

 

The Symptoms

When it comes to the symptoms of low back pain, many individuals will experience pain ranging from a dull ache to a sudden shooting burning pain that travels down the legs. Many individuals often feel pain from one location of the lower half of the body; instead, it is located on the other side, known as referred pain. Low back pain can potentially mean that another issue is affecting the body. Some of the symptoms associated with low back pain include:

  • Muscle stiffness
  • Sciatica
  • Muscle spasms
  • Limited mobility on the hips and pelvis
  • Inflammation
  • Muscle tenderness

All is not lost, as treatments are available to manage low back pain symptoms and alleviate the body’s pain.


Aqua Therapy For Spine Health-Video

Have you been experiencing muscle stiffness in your lower back? Do hip pain and sciatic symptoms cause mobility issues in your legs? Or does it hurt when you are bending down to pick something up? You could be dealing with low back pain associated with chronic symptoms affecting the body, so why not try aqua therapy? The video above demonstrates what aqua therapy does to the body and the exercises used to relieve low back pain. Studies reveal that the therapeutic purposes of water have dated back to ancient Egypt, Greek, and Roman civilization; that helps cleanse the body from ailments. Many physical therapists utilize aqua therapy to enable individuals with low back pain. Aqua therapy engages the waters, buoyancy, resistance, and hydrostatic pressure that helps rehabilitate injuries and maintain health. 


Aqua Therapy For Low Back Pain

 

Many individuals that suffer from low back pain will try to find ways to alleviate the pain. Aqua therapy is one available treatment that doesn’t strain the lower back and has therapeutic properties. Studies reveal that the beneficial properties of aqua therapy allow the body to improve muscle strength and range of motion while reducing muscle fatigue by using water buoyancy to take the pressure off the spine. Since low back pain is a common health issue associated with environmental factors for many individuals, studies reveal that water buoyancy can eliminate the gravitational forces impacting the body weight by counteracting it. To that point, this reduces joint stress on the body to perform the water aerobic exercises with ease. Individuals who incorporate aqua therapy in their health and wellness journey may be more motivated to exercise in the water without worrying about constant pain.

 

Aqua Therapy Goes Hand In Hand With Chiropractic Care

Like any treatment, chiropractic care and aqua therapy have an excellent relationship as they work together to assess and analyze the individual’s problem and devise a plan for them. Chiropractors utilize spinal manipulation to determine where the pain is located. So when a person is dealing with low back pain due to spinal subluxation or misalignment, a chiropractor can help the individual by loosening the stiff muscles and increasing the range of motion back to the spine. At the same time, aqua therapy incorporates the same benefits associated with land-based physical therapy, including a treatment plan tailored to the individual. Chiropractors and physical therapists work together to determine the best possible action to speed up the recovery process when it comes to a person’s pain, giving them the best chance to get back their quality of life.

 

Conclusion

Low back pain is one of many individuals’ most common complaints worldwide. The many factors associated with low back pain vary and range from a dull ache to a sharp pain radiating down the legs as part of the symptoms of low back pain. Treatments like aqua therapy can help take the load off the spine through water buoyancy and can help reduce the stress on the joints in the lumbar spine while reducing muscle fatigue. Combined with chiropractic care, many individuals can recover faster from their low back pain and bring back their quality of life without being in so much pain.

 

References

Abadi, Fariba Hossein, et al. “The Effect of Aquatic Exercise Program on Low-Back Pain Disability in Obese Women.” Journal of Exercise Rehabilitation, Korean Society of Exercise Rehabilitation, 31 Dec. 2019, www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC6944883/.

Allegri, Massimo, et al. “Mechanisms of Low Back Pain: A Guide for Diagnosis and Therapy.” F1000Research, F1000Research, 28 June 2016, www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC4926733/.

Carayannopoulos, Alexios G, et al. “The Benefits of Combining Water and Land-Based Therapy.” Journal of Exercise Rehabilitation, Korean Society of Exercise Rehabilitation, 26 Feb. 2020, www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC7056478/.

Cole, Andrew, and Bruce Becker. “Water Therapy Exercise Program.” Spine, Spine-Health, 26 Feb. 2010, www.spine-health.com/wellness/exercise/water-therapy-exercise-program.

Disclaimer

Sticking To A Fitness Regimen: Back Clinic

Sticking To A Fitness Regimen: Back Clinic

Everybody understands that exercise is necessary for optimal physical and mental health. Beginning a workout routine can be simple, but sticking with it long-term is the challenge. Knowing how to stay motivated can be overwhelming when facing various fitness options. Understanding the benefits of exercise and identifying the most significant motivating factors will help stick to the fitness plan.

Sticking To A Fitness Regimen

Benefits of Exercise

The first step is identifying why you want to start exercising and the principal motivator/s. For most individuals exercising regularly helps:

  • Contribute to weight loss
  • Decrease risk of disease
  • Increase lifespan
  • Improve the quality of life
  • Improve mental health

Sticking to a plan tends to dissolve after a few months without serious motivation. It is recommended to focus on making the why as specific and personal as possible. The more specific the why, the less likely the individual will stray from the plan. For example, a middle-aged father wants to get and stay in shape because he wants to keep up with his kids and set a healthy example.

Starting Out

A small amount of regular exercise positively affects the body’s health. This is a common cause of burnout and is not necessary. Those who have never exercised or worked out regularly are often tempted to start with intense hours-long exercise routines.

That means that 30 minutes a day of moderate exercise/activity or 15 minutes a day of vigorous exercise/activity is the recommended amount to see and feel health benefits like improved metabolism and mental health.

  • Getting the body physically fit is a long-distance marathon, not a quick sprint.
  • Consistency is the objective.
  • Increasing the frequency and/or duration of workouts is fine, but doing it in a way where the exercise is still enjoyable and not a chore is recommended.
  • Individuals who work out too hard and need to rest for a few days risk losing motivation.

Daily Activities

Becoming more active throughout the day outside of the workout regimen is recommended to increase physical activity levels and build and reinforce healthy habits. If exercising is too strenuous for the individual, start with increasing physical daily activities. This is an effective way to ease into regular exercise. Examples of physical activities include:

Develop Healthy Habits

Developing healthy habits, physical and nutritional are the goals, which is why it is essential to find an exercise approach that doesn’t lose its appeal and continues to develop. One study found that working out with friends or joining group sports can generate greater enjoyment. There are a variety of activities that can include:

  • Structured workouts
  • HIIT
  • Yoga
  • Pilates
  • Strength training
  • Cycling
  • Running
  • Biking
  • Hiking
  • Organized sports leagues:
  • Soccer
  • Basketball
  • Softball
  • Volleyball
  • Tennis
  • Golf
  • Low-impact options:
  • Walking
  • Stretching
  • Water aerobics

What is essential is to find something that you will want to continue to do.


Personalized Training and Rehabilitation


References

Barranco-Ruiz, Yaira et al. “Dance Fitness Classes Improve the Health-Related Quality of Life in Sedentary Women.” International journal of environmental research and public health vol. 17,11 3771. 26 May. 2020, doi:10.3390/ijerph17113771

Dalle Grave, Riccardo. “Nutrition and Fitness: Mental Health.” Nutrients vol. 12,6 1804. 17 Jun. 2020, doi:10.3390/nu12061804

Higgins, John P. “Smartphone Applications for Patients’ Health and Fitness.” The American journal of medicine vol. 129,1 (2016): 11-9. doi:10.1016/j.amjmed.2015.05.038

Yang, Yun Jun. “An Overview of Current Physical Activity Recommendations in Primary Care.” Korean journal of family medicine vol. 40,3 (2019): 135-142. doi:10.4082/kjfm.19.0038

Knee Discomfort and Pain Chiropractic Clinic

Knee Discomfort and Pain Chiropractic Clinic

Many live with chronic discomfort and pain regularly in one or both knees. This could be from past injuries, being overweight, lack of physical conditioning, degeneration, or arthritis. Many take prescription or over-the-counter pain medication to deal with the discomfort. Pain medications only dull and mask the pain and discomfort associated with the symptoms. As a result, living with masked knee pain can worsen the condition, and the surrounding bones, joints, and tissues can begin to deteriorate. Chiropractic combined with massage, decompression, and traction therapy can significantly reduce or eliminate knee pain.

Knee Discomfort and Pain Chiropractor

Knee Discomfort and Pain

The knee’s joint and ligaments need to be strong and healthy to support activities. The most common issues that individuals develop include:

Acute Injuries

  • Knee injuries can be caused by auto accidents, physical strain, playing sports, work accidents, workplace ergonomics, and walking up and down stairs.
  • The most common acute knee injuries include:
  • Knee contusions.
  • Ligament sprain.
  • Muscle strains.
  • Puncture injuries.

Chronic Injuries

  • Chronic or inflammatory medical conditions can wear down the cartilage cushion between the upper and lower leg bones.
  • Most common include gout, septic arthritis, osteoarthritis, and rheumatoid arthritis.
  • Unhealthy postures and obesity can also contribute to the chronic degradation of the knee joint.

Knee discomfort and pain can present in various ways. Some might hear an acute popping in the knee followed by swelling. Others might notice the gradual development of stiffness and weakness over time. When injured or compromised, localized pain is one of the first indicators. Chronic knee and joint pain can lead to weakness, nerve damage, or create new injuries/problems. Not all knee pain is caused by injury; in many cases, a triggering incident, like an awkward step or misstep, a stretch that went too far, or a walk, can create an injury. Even a sedentary lifestyle can contribute to knee degeneration as the surrounding muscles can lose strength, placing unnecessary strain on the joints when movement is necessary.

Chiropractic

A chiropractor will examine the knee through a series of analyses, including x-rays, digital imaging, and a physical exam. The chiropractor will develop a personalized treatment plan to treat, rehabilitate, and strengthen the knee. The treatment can include:

  • Physical therapy
  • Trigger point therapy
  • Myofascial release
  • Massage therapy
  • Hip manipulation
  • Knee manipulation
  • Posture correction to distribute body weight evenly, lessening the stress on an affected knee.
  • Targeted exercises and nutritional recommendations will ensure long-term healing.

Q Angle of the Knee


References

Cimino, Francesca, et al. “Anterior cruciate ligament injury: diagnosis, management, and prevention.” American family physician vol. 82,8 (2010): 917-22.

Donnell-Fink, Laurel A et al. “Effectiveness of Knee Injury and Anterior Cruciate Ligament Tear Prevention Programs: A Meta-Analysis.” PloS one vol. 10,12 e0144063. 4 Dec. 2015, doi:10.1371/journal.pone.0144063

Hoskins, Wayne, et al. “Chiropractic treatment of lower extremity conditions: a literature review.” Journal of manipulative and physiological therapeutics vol. 29,8 (2006): 658-71. doi:10.1016/j.jmpt.2006.08.004

Neogi, Tuhina, et al. “Sensitivity and sensitization in relation to pain severity in knee osteoarthritis: trait or state?.” Annals of the rheumatic diseases vol. 74,4 (2015): 682-8. doi:10.1136/annrheumdis-2013-204191

A Look Into Pilates For Back Pain

A Look Into Pilates For Back Pain

Introduction

Many people worldwide know that exercising has impressive benefits that help improve the body’s overall wellness. The body has different muscle groups that have a casual relationship with the vital organs inside the body. Organs like the heart, lungs, gut, and bladder correlate with the different muscles through the nerve roots that connect them. When the body suffers from various factors that affect it, it causes referred pain to the body where one pain is at one location but radiates from the other side. Exercising can help the body recover through physical rehabilitation by reducing inflammation and scarring on the muscle tissues. One of the many exercises that helps strengthen the muscles, increase flexibility, and even improve posture is Pilates. Today’s article looks at Pilates, its benefits, and how it can help alleviate back pain. We refer patients to certified providers specializing in musculoskeletal treatments to help many individuals with low back pain issues affecting their bodies. We also guide our patients by referring to our associated medical providers based on their examination when it’s appropriate. We find that education is the solution to asking our providers insightful questions. Dr. Alex Jimenez DC provides this information as an educational service only. Disclaimer

What Is Pilates?

 

Have you been feeling sluggish or having low energy throughout the entire day? What about experiencing pain in your lower back? Have you experienced muscle stiffness in certain areas around your body? Many of these symptoms are associated with musculoskeletal issues that correlate with different factors that affect the body; why not try an exercise regime like Pilates? Pilates is a system of exercises that uses a particular machine or body to improve a person’s physical strength and posture while increasing the body’s flexibility and enhancing mental awareness. Joseph Pilates developed Pilates in the early 20th century as an exercise program to help World War I soldiers improve their physical fitness levels. Pilates was used as rehabilitation therapy for injured individuals by incorporating resistance, stretching, and target muscle strengthening. Pilates is now utilized for all individuals with different bodies and fitness levels and can provide tremendous benefits. 

 

What Are The Benefits?

Pilates, like any other form of exercise, has many beneficial properties that help improve a person’s health and wellness. Studies reveal that Pilates helps many individuals, including older adults, by improving their posture by decreasing thoracic flexion while increasing lumbar extension for pain relief. Some of the beneficial properties that Pilates offer to the body include:

  • Increasing core strength: The deep muscles in the abdomen, back, and pelvic regions become stronger and help stabilize the body more.
  • Strengthen muscle groups: Pilates helps make the muscles not only strong but also helps stretch them so that they can look long and lean. This makes the individual look toned.
  • It’s a whole body workout: As many exercises work on specific body parts, Pilates focuses on each muscle part of the body and helps muscle development.
  • Posture Improvement: Pilates help keep the spine aligned while strengthening the body and core. Over time a person’s posture will improve naturally, making them stand taller, stronger, and even more graceful.
  • Increases energy: Like all exercises, Pilates will give a person the energy boost they need. This is due to the focused breathing and increased blood circulation that stimulates the muscles and the spine.

 


Pilates Exercises For Back Pain-Video

Are you looking for a new exercise to tone your muscles? Have you been dealing with pain in your lower back? Do you have muscle weakness in some regions of your body? If you have been experiencing pain-related issues, why not try Pilates? The video above goes through a 10-minute Pilates workout for back pain. Studies reveal that non-specific low back pain is a highly prevalent condition many individuals associate with disability and work absence worldwide. Many environmental factors affect many individuals, causing them to suffer back issues. Pilates can help encourage many individuals to regain their health and wellness by incorporating core strength and stability while improving their posture.


Pilates Alleviate Back Pain

 

Many people don’t realize that some low back pain symptoms are related to poor posture. Poor posture can lead to associated symptoms of headaches, back pain, improper balance, and pelvic issues. What Pilates does is that it creates body awareness and helps improve the lower back muscles by strengthening them and relaxing the stiff muscles. Studies reveal that incorporating Pilates as physical therapy for individuals suffering from low back pain can help address the mental and physical pain aspects with core strengthening, flexibility, and relaxing the tense muscles. Many individuals should never put off exercising when it comes to back pain. Incorporating an exercise routine can benefit the body and prevent future injuries.

 

Conclusion

An exercise regime can provide many beneficial results for those looking for ways to be healthy, those suffering from injuries, or those who want to add something else to their workout routine. Pilates is one of those exercises that incorporates resistance, stretching, and muscle targeting as it is a full-body workout. Pilates is used in rehabilitation therapy for injured individuals and can provide tremendous benefits. Pilates can help many individuals with back issues associated with environmental factors like poor posture. Many individuals that utilize Pilates as part of their exercise regime will begin to feel stronger and healthier as their backs will thank them.

 

References

Baker, Sara. “Pilates Exercise for a Healthy Spine – Spineuniverse.” Spineuniverse, 28 Dec. 2019, www.spineuniverse.com/wellness/exercise/pilates-exercise-healthy-spine.

Kuo, Yi-Liang, et al. “Sagittal Spinal Posture after Pilates-Based Exercise in Healthy Older Adults.” Spine, U.S. National Library of Medicine, 1 May 2009, pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/19404180/.

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