If you’re one of the millions of people who suffer from knee pain, then you know how debilitating it can be.  Studies show that 1 in 4 American adults suffer from chronic knee pain.  What you may not know is that Pilates may help ease that pain and promote healthy knees.  In this post we’ll discuss the benefits of Pilates for knee health and how you can get started.

What causes knee pain?

Knee pain can be caused by a variety of factors.  Most commonly are increased in age, weight and inflammation.  According to the CDC, over 38 million Americans suffer from one of the many forms of arthritis.  A common place for arthritic pain is in the knees. 

Other common causes are an acute sports injury or the domino effect of postural misalignment and muscle deterioration.  The good news is that Pilates can help address some of these causes.  Helping you live with less pain and increased mobility.  

How can Pilates help with knee pain?

Pilates cannot replace physical therapy for acute knee injuries, but it may help alleviate those with chronic knee pain.  Many people today are looking for alternatives to surgery and medication.  For those people, it’s a great idea to try Pilates for a few months and see if it reduces the pain.

Pilates is a full body, conditioning modality that strengthens muscles, increases flexibility and helps put your body into a healthy posture.  If your spine isn’t in healthy alignment, it affects the placement of your hips and down into your knees.  Working with an experienced Pilates instructor, they’ll address unhealthy  movement patterns you may not be aware of.  One of the core values of the Pilates method is proper body alignment.  As you work with this increased awareness and build muscles to support your posture, you may experience a decrease in knee pain.  

Pilates conditions the body to build balanced muscles.  Knee pain is often the symptom of muscular imbalances in other parts of the body, such as weak hips and glutes.  Building these muscles with both balance and correct alignment can help.  

What Pilates exercises are good for knee pain?

Pilates is a low impact exercise.  This is great for those with knee pain looking to build strength without adding pressure onto already compromised joints.  Many Pilates exercises can be done laying down, further reducing pressure on the knees while still building strength.  Leg springs on the Cadillac, Footwork on the Reformer and Pumping on the Chair are all great options.

If you are experiencing knee pain, give Pilates a try. There are many different exercises that can be tailored to your specific needs. Not only will Pilates help improve the health of your knees, but will also strengthen your core and improve your overall fitness. 

If you’re not sure where to start, call ProHealth Physical Therapy and Pilates in Peachtree City, GA for a consultation. We can help you create a custom program that targets your specific needs and helps get you back to feeling like yourself again in no time.