Many forms of exercise can be used to relieve and even reverse chronic back and neck pain. Oftentimes, people are told that pain medication or surgery are the only methods for addressing chronic pain. However, exercises such as yoga and Pilates offer a gentler, less invasive approach to increasing your strength and range of motion while reducing chronic pain. Yoga and Pilates are great exercises for every body type and fitness level, as these exercises can be easily adapted. Similarly, chiropractic care can also be used to suit most people’s health and fitness goals. If you are struggling with muscle weakness, fatigue, a painful injury or chronic neck or back pain, learn more about how practices such as yoga, Pilates and chiropractic care can be beneficial for you.
How Yoga and Pilates Work
Yoga and Pilates are different techniques, but both focus on helping you develop a breathing pattern, strengthen your muscles, improve your balance and maintain good posture. Not only do these goals help you ease existing pain, they can also prevent you from getting injured or developing chronic pain in the future as well. Pilates was developed in the 1920s as a form of therapy for dancers and athletes who were injured. The Pilates method helped athletes stay fit without straining their injuries further. Yoga has been practiced for more than 5,000 years as a form of meditation, spiritual practice and exercise. Both yoga and Pilates can be beneficial regardless of your age, fitness level and wellness.
Benefits of Practicing Yoga and Pilates
There are many physical and mental benefits to practicing yoga or Pilates. Some of the best benefits include:
- Increasing your flexibility and range of motion.
- Toning and strengthening your muscles.
- Increasing your energy levels.
- Improving your cardiovascular health and circulation.
- Losing weight.
- Managing stress.
- Improving your posture.
By strengthening your muscles, you reduce the risk of injuring yourself in the future. Reducing your stress levels can also help you avoid tension in your neck and back, which is a major source of chronic pain. Overall, one of the best benefits of yoga and Pilates is that both exercises can be adjusted to suit your individual needs or abilities. You can do simple stretches or intense workouts using either technique. Both yoga and Pilates can also be adapted to help you heal and regain strength after an injury or surgery.
While there are many benefits to practicing yoga, Pilates and other forms of exercise, you should always talk to a health care provider before starting. Yoga and Pilates are not harmful on their own, but as with any form of exercise, you may injure yourself. If you have a chronic disease or are recovering from an injury, it is a good idea to ask a health care provider which types of exercise are best for you.
Combining Pilates With Chiropractic Care
Pilates and chiropractic care are both non-invasive, non-habit-forming techniques that help you use to alleviate chronic pain. Pilates and chiropractic care can also both be used to correctly align your body and evenly work your muscle groups. You can easily combine yoga, Pilates, chiropractic care and other forms of treatment and exercise for added benefits. Premier Health offers Pilates classes at certain Twin Cities locations, allowing you to receive a well-rounded approach to your chiropractic care.