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Pathologies and Pilates

Writer's picture: Jordan WardleJordan Wardle

What is it? Why does it matter? What do we do about it?

First question, what is a pathology?


It can be the study of the nature of a disease or abnormality, or it can be the abnormality or deviation it's self. Home work from Anula Maiberg:

Second question, why does it matter?


Everyone should be able to practice Pilates safely. When an individual has a certain injury the instructor needs to be aware to give alternative instructions or alignment to continue safe practices. Always let your instructor know if you've had an injury whether it's recent or 20 years old.


I chose Pure Body Teacher Training because of their hands on training, in depth research and study into human anatomy and proper form.


This is the first half of the list so let's begin with Stenosis.


What is it?

It's Spinal Stenosis, or abnormal narrowing of the spinal canal or neural foramen which puts pressure on the spinal cord or nerve roots. It's also divided by each section of the spine. Cervical, thoracic, and lumbar. Cervical and lumbar are the most common.


Why does this matter?


If untreated stenosis can cause permanent:


Numbness weakness balance problems incontinence paralysis


As a Pilates instructor you are trying to help the client strengthen their body and not injure them further. Any pinching or decreasing of the space in the canal is not going to feel good.


What do we do about it?


Spinal flexion is alright in spinal stenosis. If you're doing mat exercises, spine stretch, Hundred, single and double leg stretches are good flexion exercises to do. Avoid spinal extension, it can compromise the spine and can be painful.


If you're on a reformer machine and you have your legs in the air be sure to fully brace your core and press your lower back into the mat. You might have to adjust how low you're able to lower the legs. You're still able to do foot work, the Hundred, coordination, elephant, and any other exercises that keep the spine in flexion.


Any feed back is welcome as I continue my journey of learning Pilates and movement. Please let me know of any discrepancies or Pilates exercise you might enjoy teaching for a client with spinal stenosis.



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