Pilates + tennis elbow
“Tennis Elbow” is a generic term often applied to any condition which causes pain on
the outside or lateral aspect of either elbow. Often times, the individual has never
played tennis and the pain, swelling and weakness has resulted from another type of
overuse, either through work or daily life task.
Many individuals will experience this condition at some point in their lifetimes. Tennis
elbow or lateral epicondylitis may be a brief episode lasting only a few days, but for
some, the condition becomes chronic and difficult to resolve.
The precise cause is often inflammation of the tendon which attaches to the upper bone
of the arm, the humerus. Through repetitive, and often poor movement patterns, small
tears in the tendon(s) of the wrist extensors can eventually lead to pain limiting use of
the affected arm. Nerve involvement is sometimes suspected in chronic conditions as
well.
Rest, cold and changing the pattern of use are often the first efforts at resolving this
condition. With chronic symptoms, “tennis elbow” bands, bracing and therapy are often
recommended. In some cases, physicians may recommend steroid injections or
surgery.
Pilates may be helpful when the initial inflammatory response is resolved through
provision of non-weight bearing exercises, gentle strengthening and recruitment of the
appropriate muscles for daily use.
TAKEAWAY: Ask your Pilates Trainer about elbow symptoms you are experiencing.
Although they are not equipped to diagnose these issues, once a medical professional
has provided you with a specific diagnoses, your trained should be able to modify an
then progress your Pilates program to prevent further injury.
the outside or lateral aspect of either elbow. Often times, the individual has never
played tennis and the pain, swelling and weakness has resulted from another type of
overuse, either through work or daily life task.
Many individuals will experience this condition at some point in their lifetimes. Tennis
elbow or lateral epicondylitis may be a brief episode lasting only a few days, but for
some, the condition becomes chronic and difficult to resolve.
The precise cause is often inflammation of the tendon which attaches to the upper bone
of the arm, the humerus. Through repetitive, and often poor movement patterns, small
tears in the tendon(s) of the wrist extensors can eventually lead to pain limiting use of
the affected arm. Nerve involvement is sometimes suspected in chronic conditions as
well.
Rest, cold and changing the pattern of use are often the first efforts at resolving this
condition. With chronic symptoms, “tennis elbow” bands, bracing and therapy are often
recommended. In some cases, physicians may recommend steroid injections or
surgery.
Pilates may be helpful when the initial inflammatory response is resolved through
provision of non-weight bearing exercises, gentle strengthening and recruitment of the
appropriate muscles for daily use.
TAKEAWAY: Ask your Pilates Trainer about elbow symptoms you are experiencing.
Although they are not equipped to diagnose these issues, once a medical professional
has provided you with a specific diagnoses, your trained should be able to modify an
then progress your Pilates program to prevent further injury.
pilates + Rheumatoid Arthritis
Can you? Should you participate in Pilates if you have been diagnosed with
Rheumatoid Arthritis?
Rheumatoid arthritis, an autoimmune disorder, is a chronic inflammatory disorder that
affects about 1% of the world’s population. Rheumatoid arthritis can cause painful
swelling in the joints, which may eventually lead to damage to the joint lining resulting in
permanent changes wtihin the affected joint. Unlike the wear and tear damage from
osteoarthritis, RA occurs when your immune system mistakenly attacks your own body's
tissues.
And YES! Individuals with RA can and should participate in Pilates! As this article
outlines, Pilates may benefit RA patients through improved core strength, muscle and tendon
support of joints, improved blood flow, reduction in pain and improved stability. If a
particular joint is flared up, your trainer may advised you to lessen the resistance or rest
that area of the body until the flare has subsided.
Or, if general fatigue is preventing full participation for a few days, your trained may
advise you to wait until your feeling better to resume your Pilates sessions.
TAKEAWAY: Make sure your trainer is well-educated on this systemic disease and how
to modify your program to make sure you are safely and effectively participating!
Rheumatoid Arthritis?
Rheumatoid arthritis, an autoimmune disorder, is a chronic inflammatory disorder that
affects about 1% of the world’s population. Rheumatoid arthritis can cause painful
swelling in the joints, which may eventually lead to damage to the joint lining resulting in
permanent changes wtihin the affected joint. Unlike the wear and tear damage from
osteoarthritis, RA occurs when your immune system mistakenly attacks your own body's
tissues.
And YES! Individuals with RA can and should participate in Pilates! As this article
outlines, Pilates may benefit RA patients through improved core strength, muscle and tendon
support of joints, improved blood flow, reduction in pain and improved stability. If a
particular joint is flared up, your trainer may advised you to lessen the resistance or rest
that area of the body until the flare has subsided.
Or, if general fatigue is preventing full participation for a few days, your trained may
advise you to wait until your feeling better to resume your Pilates sessions.
TAKEAWAY: Make sure your trainer is well-educated on this systemic disease and how
to modify your program to make sure you are safely and effectively participating!