The fascia is a thick elastic connective tissue in and around the muscles, bones, blood vessels and nerves of your body. The fascia spreads throughout the body like web which travels head-to-toe uninterrupted and acts as a shock absorber in the body. In healthy condition, the fascia is relaxed and wavy in configuration with the ability to stretch and move without any problems.
Physical trauma, scarring, stress, repetitive micro trauma, poor posture, inflammation or disease such as arthritis cause the fascia to lose its ability and this causes restriction and tension to the rest of the body. This Myofascial restriction or tension is the underlying cause of most chronic pain problems that have not responded to traditional medical or surgical intervention.
Myofascial Pain Syndrome (MPS) is essentially defined as a painful musculoskeletal condition, characterized by the development of Myofascial trigger points (TrPs). These points are locally tender when active and refer pain through specific patterns to other areas of the body.
The Myofascial tissue appears to tighten and thicken in those with Fibromyalgia syndrome (FMS). So often fibromyalgia sufferers might have also Myoafascial Pain syndrome (MPS). FMS and MPS are very different symptoms and makes life very complicated with pain.
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. Research indicates that apart from medications and minimally invasive techniques, a set of planned exercises and a regular exercise regimen can be of great help for relief from the symptoms of Myofascial Pain Syndrome.
As a Physical Therapist, I recommend Pilates and specific stretching program for people with MPS and FMS. However, both exercises have to be tailored just for you needs. Pilates helps improve your joint range of motion and increase muscle strength, endurance and stretch. Unfortunately, Pilates is not enough to stretching tight myofascia and releasing muscle tension. Specific stretching program with a foam roll and ball is a good myofascial trigger point release as well as muscle tension release. So, professional Pilates with a specific stretching program complete each other by relieving your pain and will improve your quality of life.
Tuula Niskanen has college degrees of Physical Therapy and Sports Instructor. She holds advanced certifications in Spinal Stabilization Training, Golf Conditioning, Mat Pilates and Comprehensive Pilates Teaching. She offers her personal
Pilates Services in 2 studios in Carlsbad and Encinitas, CA.
Chances are that you have already heard about all of the benefits of exercise and strengthening the body and how they can help to heal your pain. Many people question whether this is actually true. If exercising can help to heal the body and make everything better again, then why is it that some people cannot perform certain exercises without their pain actually becoming worse than it already is?
The truth is that not all exercises help to assist with the relief of pain. No one knows your body better than you do. To say that lying around all day and constantly “taking it easy” will help is a lie. Any doctor who advises you not to exercise or get up and move around is only telling you that so he can continue to feed you pain pills. Chiropractors are no better. They want you to believe that every single ache and pain is a subluxation. The reason they tell you this is so that you will rush back into their offices and give them more of your precious time and cash.
When there are aches and pains in your body, they do signify that something is wrong, especially if they are consistent and seem to have no real cause. Perhaps you know what caused your pain, but are not doing anything about it but lying around and popping pills. How can one expect to heal and get to the root of the problem? Sure, it is always nice to have a licensed physician there to reassure you that everything is going to be fine. In reality, people in pain know there is only one way to get better, and that is by taking action.
If you can\’t perform certain exercises, then what can you do? Pilates. This type of exercise is very simple to perform by anyone who is in pain. Unlike weightlifting, there is no straining or excess pressure on the joints and back involved. Running, power walking, and other aerobics exercises can be a source of extreme pain for some chronic sufferers because their bodies simply are not prepared to exert so much force. It can be dangerous for people to just get up and do it when they are not mentally and physically prepared.
Pilates is a great exercise for pain because it also involves a series of light stretching movements that can help to prepare the body for the exercises as well as everyday life. After performing a series of Pilates exercises, your body will not experience as much pain as before because it will be trained to feel good and strong. What you will be doing is working your muscles from the inside out, beginning at your core. Your core is located in the center of your body and consists of a “box” of muscles. Those muscles are the buttocks, hips, lower back, and abdominal area. Strengthening this particular area brings your entire spine into alignment and balances your whole body.
You are going to sit up straighter, stand taller, walk better, and have less pressure and stress in areas that you are currently experiencing. Your core is the heart of your strength. More stress and tension goes into this area more than any other part of the body. Without a healthy center, scoliosis and all other types of painful problems can easily develop. People usually complain of experiencing the most pain in their necks, backs, and knees. All three of these areas can be relieved with Pilates. Most people are able to stop taking medication within six months. Nothing can describe the feeling of being free from pain and doctors. All of that is a huge stress relief within itself. You do not have to keep dreaming about being pain free, you can choose to make it your reality.
You can find range of DVD’s on sale with Buy a range of quality DVD’s packed with Pilates and stretching exercises to help with your back pain Pilates and stretching exercises for easing back pain which have been recommended by a leading British Osteopath / Physiotherapist. Please also visit my blog on and leave your comments.
www.ogorgeous.com Stretch to prevent injuries and increase flexibility. You asked for it, so here it is! Cassey Ho is a fun Pilates Instructor who loves mixing up her moves to upbeat pop music. Songs in this workout: “Colombia” by Anjulie “I’m Into Something Good” by The Bird and the Bee “PYT” by Michael Jackson —— Follow me on Twitter: www.twitter.com Read my Blogilates: www.blogilates.blogspot.com Join me on Facebook www.facebook.com ——
