Pilates exercise was developed by Joseph Pilates in early 20th century. It focuses on the specific training of core abdominal and lower back muscles for trunk stability, allowing the whole body to move with coordination. Balance of muscles strength and flexibility together with the postural alignment of the body are always emphasized during the training.
Trunk core muscles have their own functions, for instance, the pelvic floor muscles help to support the internal organs at the pelvic region whereas the diaphragm helps us to breath. Our trunk movements are generated by the work of the back and abdominal muscles. When these core muscles work together, they help in improving the stability of the core as well as protection of the spines within the core area.
Core muscles for those people with lower back pain are weaker in general and there is also delayed response for these muscular activities. Therefore, in order to reduce pain and prevent injuries, proper training for these core muscles is necessary.
Physiotherapists began to incorporate Pilates training into the rehabilitation for patients in early 1990s. Clinical Pilates becomes a modified form of therapeutic exercise used by physiotherapists to assist in rehabilitation and prevention of injury. Clients are individually assessed by the physiotherapists and specific training is given to target their own musculoskeletal problems. Close supervision and graded exercises will ensure safety and prevention of injury for clients.