{"id":3107,"date":"2024-02-28T09:39:52","date_gmt":"2024-02-28T08:39:52","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/elitepilates.net\/?p=3107"},"modified":"2026-03-09T06:53:06","modified_gmt":"2026-03-09T05:53:06","slug":"pilates-scoliosis","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/elitepilates.net\/en\/pilates-escoliosis\/","title":{"rendered":"Pilates exercises for scoliosis: How can they help?"},"content":{"rendered":"

The Pilates method is a training discipline where the body works in a global way, improving qualities such as strength, flexibility, joint stability, balance, breathing and, in short, the functioning of the body as a whole through the development of body and postural awareness, integrating the use of the mind in connection with the musculoskeletal system.<\/span><\/p>\n

The aim of the Pilates method for scoliosis is to work on and develop a balance between the muscle chains and joints through controlled movements from the strength of the \u201c<\/span>Powerhouse<\/a>\u201d<\/span><\/i> o \u201cenergy centre<\/a>\u201dThe aim is to find a balance between the two sides of the spine, from where all the forces should be directed towards the distal and external areas of the body, always seeking alignment and symmetry and placing great emphasis on the imbalance of muscular forces of the curvatures generated by scoliosis in the spine, where one side is stronger and the other weaker, in order to reach a balance between them.<\/span><\/p>\n

What is scoliosis?<\/b><\/h2>\n

Scoliosis is a disorder of the spine, of mostly unknown cause, most common in children and adolescents, characterised by one or more lateral curvatures greater than 10\u00b0 appearing as a \u201cC\u201d or \u201cS\u201d and associated with a rotation of the vertebrae and a reduced kyphosis in the thoracic curve, altering the shape of the natural, physiological curve of the spine.<\/span><\/p>\n

Scoliosis generates a muscular imbalance on both sides of the spine, thus generating an asymmetry, with unevenness in the height of the hips (modifying the alignment of the legs and the tread) and of the shoulders (modifying the rib cage and breathing), resulting in a dorsal or lumbar hump.\u00a0\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

Pilates exercises for scoliosis: the treatment<\/b><\/h2>\n

After the end of the growth phase, surgery is considered the only option for correcting scoliosis. However, through physical exercise and, in this case, with the Pilates method, and taking into account the layout of the scoliotic curves, it is possible to improve the muscular imbalances and other factors that intervene along the spine, aligning, strengthening and making it more flexible, maintaining good body functionality and preventing and protecting the spine from future problems caused by overexertion, poor posture, physical demands or lack of training and slowing down, as far as possible, the progression of the scoliosis.<\/span><\/p>\n

How does it work?<\/h3>\n

One of the parts that the method establishes with its technique is the use of specific apparatus provided with springs and straps that offer assistance or resistance, depending on the objective to be worked on. In the case of scoliosis, we will seek to rebalance the muscular chains, as well as the symmetry between the articular structures, lengthening the muscles that are stronger and strengthening those that are weaker.<\/span><\/p>\n

In addition, the work of our energy centre makes us strengthen our internal musculature that will stabilise our spine and, at the same time, will work on its mobility and flexibility, thus releasing pressure in areas such as the lumbar or cervical, which are usually more affected.<\/span><\/p>\n

All the work of symmetry, alignment, lengthening of the spine and strengthening of our core musculature will be done in relation to our central line, which will run through the centre of our body seeking the elongation of our spine for a better positioning of the rest of the structures.<\/span><\/p>\n

On the other hand, the breathing work makes us work the intercostal muscles, which, as well as helping us to increase our lung capacity, gives us more amplitude and mobility to our rib cage, especially in the areas where, depending on the arrangement of the curves, we will have more rigidity, shortening or less strength or flexibility.<\/span><\/p>\n

The Pilates method is perfect for meeting these objectives and achieving more efficient movement, preventing discomfort and improving quality of life.<\/span><\/p>\n

What exercises do we recommend?<\/b><\/h2>\n

All Pilates sessions consist of a main part with the use of the \u201cReformer\u201d and another part on the \u201cMat\u201d or mat, where we will choose some exercises in which we will deepen a little more the needs of the person, in this case with scoliosis.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

They will be exercises where:<\/span><\/p>\n