Tuula's Articles

SI-joint dysfunction is common source of back pain. The pain is dull, deep pain on your back or buttock and it may refer to the groin, down to the leg. One of the best "treatment" to the SI-joint pain and hypermobility is specific pelvic and spinal muscles strengthening and stabilization program. Pilates and lumbar spinal stabilization training are both very efficient and safe exercises for people with SI-jointdysfunction. People can often get rid of SI-joint pain with a good Pilates teacher.

Shoulder joint has wider and more varied range of motion than any other joint in the human body. It's also most unstable joint which means high risk of injury. Everyone has heard something about rotator cuff and related problems, but how many knows that rotator cuff muscles have very important role in a proper the shoulder function and injury prevention? Pilates is a method which works very well for rotator cuff post-rehabilitation and injury prevention.

Knee is subjected to an enormous workload during any sport activity, especially running. The running motion itself puts a lot of stress to the knee joints, and if there are also anatomical abnormalities and muscle imbalances the stress become higher and often leads overuse injuries. Focusing on muscular imbalances with Pilates helps knee joint working more efficiently and ergonomically, both to prevent injuries as well as in rehabilitation after injuries.

The spine has an important role in our body. It supports the head and trunk and enables us maintain our upright posture. Scoliosis is a condition in which the spine has sideways curvature, which commonly causes back pain. Pilates is good exercise for scoliosis, but you might still need professional guidance. There is no “one size fits all” for people with Scoliosis so go to the well-educated Pilates instructor who has experience in scoliosis and can modify the right exercises for you.

Cycling is a great exercise and here in Southern California it is a year around sport. It is generally believed that cycling is one of the best exercises to improve your overall fitness. Unfortunately, riding for long periods of time with the spine bent forward easily causes back pain and leads many types of muscle imbalances. Pilates can help many cyclists to get rid of their back pain and restore their muscular imbalances by preventing typical overuse injuries.

Many gym goers are focusing on flatten stomach, tone arms and legs or maybe trying to improve their sports performance with strength training. Unfortunately, most fitness enthusiasts and athletes pay too little attention to the structure, stability and alignment of their body. It’s not cool to have six-pack abs with back pain or other injuries that are causes by muscle imbalances.

Trunk rotation of the golf swing puts enormous pressure on your lower back - that’s why back problems are the most common type of golf-related injuries. Golfers with poor swing mechanics tend to swing harder, causing larger spinal loads resulting in more stress to the lumbar spine. Pro golfers tend to develop lower back pain from overuse due to repetitive one-sided movement. Pilates is great exercise program for people with lower back pain, especially for golfers.

Osteoporosis, also known as the "silent disease", is characterized by low bone mass and decreased bone tissue. Physical activity has been shown to have a positive affect on bone remodeling. Most important exercises for osteoporosis are the exercises that strengthen the back muscles, such as Pilates. Pilates is all about body alignment and its specific, corrective exercises help to relieve postural strain on the spine and to prevent further wedging and compression fractures.

Menopause can be accompanied by a number of physical changes and symptoms like hot flashes, night sweats, joint pains, anxieties, irritabilities and depressions. Menopause and post menopause time are also risk of health problems such as heart disease and osteoporosis. Studies have shown that women who are physically active can lessen their menopause symptoms. Pilates is a great exercise method for menopause. Pilates has been proven to improve quality of life for menopause women.

Poor posture is a major factor in back problems. It strains muscles, puts too much stress on the spine, and over time can change the anatomical structure of the spine leading to degeneration to the bone, joint and discs; spinal nerves may also be affected. All these factors have the potential to contribute a lower back pain, which is why establishing correct posture is so important. An appropriate posture lends stability and strength to the spine. You can improve all these aspects with Pilates.

There are several diagnoses that cause sciatica pain but the recommended exercises are very different for each of them. Pilates in general is good but there is no “one size fits all” exercise for sciatica pain clients. Only a professionally planned Pilates program with a good hands-on skilled instructor make the life of sciatica pain client easier by relieving pain, strengthening and stretching muscles and increasing spine and joints range of motion.

Choosing Pilates Instructor in Carlsbad, Oceanside and Encinitas is not easy because there are so many studios and instructors with variety of qualifications and backgrounds. Here is the criteria for choosing the right Pilates studio and best Pilates instructor for you: Qualification, Education & Experience, Personality & Teaching Style and Price.

Myofascial Pain Syndrome (MPS) is essentially defined as a painful musculoskeletal condition. Often fibromyalgia sufferers might have also Myofacial Pain Syndrome (MPS). Exercise is considered to be one of the most significant treatment methods for relief from the symptoms of Myofascial Pain Syndrome as well as Fibromyalgia. As a Physical Therapist, I recommend Pilates and specific stretching program for people with MPS and FMS.

Fibromyalgia is a chronic pain disorder with widespread pain and tender points throughout the body, and fatigue in muscles and tendons. Exercise is one of the leading treatments for fibromyalgia. Exercise such as Pilates increase blood flow and feed your muscles by relieving your pain. Pilates is low-impact and many Pilates movements can be modified just for you and your specific needs. Pilates improves your joint range of motion, muscle flexibility and strength, and gives you more energy.

Every year golfers spend thousands of dollars to buy their new golf gears, but many forget the most important element of their golf game - their body. It doesn’t matter if the clubs and balls are the latest technology if your muscles are tight and weak and your joints don’t have enough range of motion. Pilates golf conditioning program helps improve your muscle flexibility, joint mobility and muscle stability and strength. How much better results? Just ask from Tiger Woods or Annika Sorenstam!

There is strong evidence which suggest regular exercise not only improves quality of life for people with multiple sclerosis, but that it may also help ease MS symptoms. Low impact Pilates is the most suitable exercise form for people with multiple sclerosis. Pilates offers many exercises that can reduce your muscle spasms, leg stiffness and spasticity, improve your joint mobility, muscle mobility, muscle flexibility and strength.

Pilates method is widely practiced for both rehabilitation and fitness. Physical Therapists are recognizing Pilates as one of the most successful methods to treat many injuries, spinal disorders and joint diseases. Pilates also benefits individuals with neurological problems (MS), chronic pain (fibromyalgia), women’s health needs (menopause, osteoporosis, pre/post natal), performance enhancement needs, arthritic impairments (osteoarthritis, rheumatoid arthritis) and other movement dysfunctions.

Wearing high heel shoes can be sexy and feminine but is not the best thing for your body. High heels force your body weight to be thrown forward thus it's natural balance is thrown off and your muscles have to make constant adjustments to keep your body somehow balanced. Back pain is not the only problem what you can get by wearing those sexy high heels. Wearing high heels can be fashionable and sexy but think about the total price when you are wearing them!

Keeping up with an exercise program can be difficult when you're pregnant, especially during the first trimester when you might feel nausea and tired. One of the safest and most effective way to stay active is with Pilates, which strengthens the most important muscles that you'll use during pregnancy and labor. Pilates improves breathing technique, concentration and body awareness, which even help your labor. With Pilates you can recover faster back to pre pregnancy figure and shape.

Osteoarthritis is a painful degenerative disease. Most people who begin to have joint pain often assume they cannot exercise. But physical activity, such as Pilates, actually makes it better. The strong muscles and full range of motion keep joints stable, comfortable and reduce pain.

Common misunderstanding is that exercise should be avoided when experiencing back pain. However, a gradual and progressive exercise like Pilates, rather than total inactivity, most often provides the best long-term solution for reducing back pain. Pilates is a low-impact exercise which helps to increase spinal range of motion, strengthen abdominal and back muscles, and increase general flexibility. One-on-one Pilates training with professional Pilates teacher can help your back for good.

Over 60 percent of us will suffer from back pain at some point of our lives. However, in most cases back pain is not serious but it can still have a major impact on your quality of life. Pilates has been shown to successfully alleviate lower back pain and increase functional strength. Its is safe and low-impact, but there is one key thing that you should be aware of - and it is Pilates instructor’s skills and experience in back pain. A good, experienced Pilates teacher can make a big difference.