In this paper I look at how getting back into exercise after childbirth takes commitment and mental strength to overcome the challenges of being a mother. Often women ‘bounce back’ quickly after their first child, but slower after their second or third. Life goes under a drastic change where your body is not the same, time is not your own, you sleep less, eat more and generally have less willingness to exercise. This study is of a young mother with four children. Due to complications with the birth of her last child my client had an emergency hysterectomy. With a tailor made BASI program I will follow her journey back into finding the balance between looking after her children and herself. With her doctors approval I focus on strengthening her abdominal and pelvic muscles in a safe and controlled way, bringing awareness to postural deviations and imbalances created by breastfeeding and her busy lifestyle.

This paper examines how one can build strength and flexibility pre and post-op for a client that is scheduled to have hip replacement surgery due to acetabular (hip) dysplasia. Hip replacement surgery is a procedure in which a doctor surgically removes a painful hip joint with osteoarthritis and replaces it with an artificial joint often made from metal and plastic components. This paper gives an overview of the function of the hip joint, acetabular dysplasia, osteoarthritis and a case study of myself who has had two hip replacements and undergone the below Pilates strengthening programmes.

Balanced posture keeps your body in proper alignment. Poor posture can affect the resting length of muscles and will cause dysfunction in the muscles, joints and bones. When muscles and joints don’t function at their peak there can be pain and or injury over time. When slouching the head tilts forward, the chest and anterior shoulder muscles are shortened, the shoulders are rounded, the breath is constricted, and the back and posterior shoulder muscles are lengthened. These changes can affect the alignment of the shoulders and spinal regions while at rest or during movement. Pilates professionals utilize assessment tools to review posture, the findings help guide in the development of conditioning programs that address deviations, injuries, imbalance and or pain to restore clients bodies and minds. Kyphosis refers to an exaggerated curve in the thoracic region of the spine. A kyphotic posture can give someone a hunched over and round shouldered look, and is fairly common among adults who spend the majority of their time sitting at desks. This paper gives details of a case study that explores the effects of the BASI Pilates method on a kyphotic posture. It will conclude that with regular Pilates sessions, the muscular imbalances that cause Kyphosis can be addressed, and the posture improved.

Kyphosis is a spinal disorder in which an excessive outward curve of the spine results in an abnormal rounding of the upper back. The condition is sometimes known as “roundback”. Kyphosis can occur at any age but is common during adolescence. In most cases, kyphosis causes few problems and does not require treatment. Occasionally, a patient may need to wear a back brace or od exercises to improve his or her posture and strengthen the spine. In severe cases, however, kyphosis can be painful, cause significant spinal deformity, and lead to breathing problems. This paper focuses on a case study of a 40+ female, diagnosed with postural kyphosis as a teenager, who is looking for an exercise program that would help to improve her posture, strengthen her back, and help alleviate occasional pain in thoracic and lumbar spine. We will look at how the BASI approach to the Pilates method can help us achieve those goals.

Kyphosis involves an increased thoracic curve of the spine, it reduce the load capacity of the spine. Nowadays, the teenagers’ kyphosis phenomenon is becoming more and more common in China and presents a trend of low age. Kyphosis not only affects the personal image temperament, but also affects the normal growth and development of the spine and even affects the health of the body. The main reason for the Kyphosis of Chinese young people is to keep the incorrect posture for a long time, lack of exercise, and have too much mental pressure. That cause their weak thoracic extensors and tight anterior shoulder muscles. Based on my research, I was able to develop a safe Pilates program for teenagers to correct the kyphosis using the BASI Block System which has dramatically improved their posture and self-confident.

Pilates is a great way to help women protected and strengthen their body while they are pregnant. Pilates focuses on postural alignment, core strength, and overall muscle balance. In this paper I’m going to talk about the influence and change of pregnancy on the body, and changes in body posture. Next, I’m talking about the cause of the lower back pain after birth and I will also include a conditioning program utilizing the Block System from BASI.

Osteoarthritis (OA) of the knees is a debilitating condition affecting everyday movements. Typical daily activities of the average person can become obstacles that otherwise would be unnoticeable with healthy knees. Walking can be painful, stairs may feel more like you are climbing a mountain, getting up out of a soft chair may seem impossible at times. Pain from OA may lead to a sedentary lifestyle, that can cause weight gain, loss of muscle mass and depression (website #1). Surgery is generally required for reconstruction of the knee. Post-surgery can in the beginning be just as challenging as the client will need to learn how to walk with new knees. Pilates post rehab can help continue the healing process, the workouts can help strengthen and lengthen the muscles in a safe manner. The BASI block system can help client’s knees perform their function without unnecessary stress, while enabling the client to receive a total body workout in every session. This paper will provide a summary of the use of Pilates using the BASI block system prior to the clients’ knee replacement and post knee replacement routines.

Hip replacement surgery (hip arthroplasty) is becoming one of the most common orthopedic procedures performed. Younger people are opting for the procedure as a way to improve their quality of life as opposed to dealing with the limitations that accompany arthritis. The objective of this paper is to show how a Pilates exercise program can benefit a patient pre and post operative.

요즘 들어 주위에 족저근막염으로 고통을 받고 있는 사람들이 많이 있다. 족저근막염은 말 그대로 족저근막에 염증이 생기는 질환이다. 중년의 가장 흔한 질환 중 하나로, 남녀가 동등하게 발생한다. 비만인 경우 자주 걸으면 체중에 짓눌려 통증을 유발하는 경우도 있으며, 과도한 운동, 맞지 않는 신발 착 용 등으로 인해 과부하가 걸려 염증이 발생하기도 하며, 하이힐 자주 신는 여자들에게도 의외로 발병하기 쉽다고 한다. 하이힐의 부작용 중 하나가 발 변형이 쉽다는 건데, 게다가 그 상태로 성인 여자의 무게를 버 티게 되면 더더욱 발병이 심해진다. 또한 종아리 근육이 선천적으로 짧거나, 아니면 종아리 근육에 무리를 가하는 동작을 많이 하게 되면 이 와 연결된 아킬레스 건은 발뒤꿈치를 위쪽으로 밀어올리는 경향을 보이게 된다. 결국 발의 족궁과 족저근 막에 지속적인 부하를 가하여 족저근막염을 일으키기도 한다. 이처럼 발병 원인이 정확하지 않기 때문에 치료법을 찾기가 쉽지 않다. 자연스럽게 통증을 완화시키는 방법에 관심이 생겼고, 필라테스를 가르키는 강사로서 필라테스를 통하여 증상 완화에 도움을 줄 수 있는 지에 대하여 의문과 궁금증이 생겼다. 필라테스가 족저근막염을 근본적으로 치료할수는 없지만 증상완화 에는 큰 도움을 줄 수 있는지 알아보도록 하겠다.

현대인은 잘못된 자세와 스트레스, 불규칙한 생활 습관 때문에 고질적 허리 질환을 가지고 있다. 허리 질환은 단순히 디스크 뿐만 아니라, 그 명칭과 증상 또한 다양한데, 이 연구에서는 특별히 척추분리증과 척추전방전위증에 대해 다루어 보고자 한다. 필라테스는 자세와 근력, 지구력, 유연성이 요구되는 운동이며, 정형외과적 문제의 방지 및 회복을 위 한 재활프로그램으로 널리 이용되고 있다. 척추분리증 질환을 가지고 있는 37세 주부 K님과 바시 블록시스템으로 필라테스를 하며 복횡근과 중 둔근, Abdominal Oblique를 강화시켰고, 코어의 안정화를 도모하였다. 또한 이러한 움직임을 실생활에 서 실천하여 관절과 조직에 가해지는 긴장을 줄여 허리통증이 완화되었다. 현대사회에서 허리통증을 느끼는 사람은 80%에 달한다. 이들이 수술이 아닌 필라테스로 척추분리증 과 척추분리증이 척추전방전위증으로 전이되는 것을 예방할 수 있는 수업과정을 소개한다. 그리고 척추 분리증과 척추 전방전위증의 원인과 증상 치료방법에 대해 알아보고자 한다.

What is scoliosis and how can clients manage chronic back pain and improve their posture? Scoliosis is a curve in the spine. There are different degrees of scoliosis. Mild scoliosis can have a curve that is almost impossible to see and it doesn’t affect a person’s daily activities. It can also be severe and affect breathing and include chronic back pain. It is unknown where scoliosis comes from but some people can be born with it as others can develop it in their teenage years. In some cases, children will need to wear a body brace or have a spinal surgery, but usually it can be managed with exercise. In this research paper, it is unknown whether the client was born with scoliosis or developed it in later years. I have chronic back pain but after practicing Pilates for the past few years, it has drastically decreased and my posture has improved as well. It has become my regular routine to do Pilates classes 3-4 times per week. The BASI block system conditioning program has been recommended to keep managing my scoliosis and back pain.

Joseph Pilates’ method has appealed to physical performers from the day he opened his studio doors. Athletes, dancers and musicians have used the Pilates method when experiencing overuse injuries to help with functional muscle imbalances and postural deviations. This paper will focus on a guitarist’s posture, spending their working day in prolonged hours of flexion, neglecting posture, which can lead to imbalances and injuries resulting in neck and back pain. This is likely due to recruitment of incorrect muscles to hold their position, accompanied by poor posture and asymmetry. I will evaluate the posture and muscular imbalances of a healthy guitarist and using the BASI Block System, create a program to prevent injury to the shoulder girdle. Making a specific program will correct imbalances and focus on strength and endurance as well as improving their mind-body connection, performance and minimising pain.

Over the course of my pilates training and working with clients, I have noticed that many clients wish to be placed in classes as well as continue privates. A challenge in teaching apparatus classes is accommodating students with contradictory needs. Two of the most common conditions that are present in the classes that I teach are, osteoporosis and spinal osteoarthritis. The majority of the cliental practicing at the studios I work at have similar demographics; predominantly female, and predominantly age 45 and up. This demographic correlates directly to those susceptible to osteoporosis and spinal osteoarthritis. Frequently I have students with both conditions in the same class, which prompted me to create programs that can be easily adjusted for these 2 conditions either as a private or as an inclusive reformer/tower class. The two case study participants are Olivia (53) and Carla (51), both woman are in their early 50’s, are very active, like to work hard, and are very eager to join a class. They both had some prior pilates experience. Olivia has osteoporosis and Carla has osteoarthritis of the low spine. I worked with both woman in several private sessions before they advanced to classes.

Throughout my journey of practicing and teaching pilates, I have developed a special interest in the muscles involved in the stabilisation of the scapula. These relatively small, often forgotten muscles, when underused or allowed to become imbalanced, can lead to compromised posture, alignment and the individual’s overall sense of wellbeing. This paper will first investigate the causes and implications of poor scapula stabilisation, in particular a condition known as “winging scapula”. Winging scapula occurs when the muscles of the scapula are too weak (or in extreme cases paralyzed) resulting in an impaired ability to stabilise the scapula. As a result, the medial border of the scapula protrudes and forms an image of “wings” on the back. Following an anatomical review, the paper will then seek to address this condition and improve scapula stabilisation through a conditioning programme based on the BASI comprehensive block system.

Scoliosis is the most common spinal disorder affecting society. Scoliosis can lead to musculoskeletal pain, muscle imbalances, and severe postural dysfunction if left unaddressed. Pilates, with its focus on posture, core strength, and mobility, is an effective strengthening routine in treating scoliosis. Clients with scoliosis may benefit from individualized Pilates exercises tailored to meet specific needs. The purpose of this paper is to examine the effects of Pilates with focus on improving spinal mobility, core strength, and unilateral exercises on a 19-year-old client with scoliosis. The client attended 50 minute sessions two times per week for three months. Exercises included spinal articulation, core strengthening, and trunk stretching movements. The client reached all goals by the end of the three months. Pilates is an effective movement practice for a client with scoliosis.

Cauda Equina Syndrome (CES) is a severe condition which is commonly misdiagnosed and even when adequately treated, can have life lasting effects on the body. These effects can include horrific back and leg pain, loss of movement and/or sensation in the lower extremities and issues with bowel and bladder control. When a new client came to me after years of battling CES and low back pain, I was compelled to research her condition and develop a rehabilitation program to improve her comfort and daily life. This client had already been in Physical Therapy and was aware of her body's exercise restrictions. Based on my research, I was able to develop a safe Pilates program for this client using the BASI Block System which has dramatically improved her strength and overall well-being.

Each year as many as 25 million Americans seek a doctor’s care for backache. According to some experts, next to the common cold, back pain is the leading medical complaint in the United States and will be experienced by 80 percent of all adults at some point in their lives. (Fitness for Life) Hyperlordosis is a problem that can lead to backache. A major cause of hyperlordosis is from muscle imbalances in the back, hips or legs. The muscles imbalances are weak abdominal and gluteus/hamstrings and tight hip flexor and low back. Pilates can strengthen the weak areas and stretch the tight. This will shift the pelvis from an anterior position with a protruding stomach to a balanced, neutral position resulting in less stress on the spine.

필라테스는 심부 안정화근육(core muscle)을 비롯한 자세유지근육을 강화하고 신체의 이해와 인지력을 높여 근육과 관절을 정확히 사용하게 하여 우리 몸의 안과 밖의 균형을 잡아 주기 때문에 현대인들에게 꼭 필요한 운동 요법으로 소개 되어 왔다.(Penelope,2001) 직장인이나 학생들 사이에서 엉덩이, 고관절, 골반에 뻐근함과 통증 호소로 디스크를 의심하는 이들이 많다. 그러나 여러 영상검사에서 큰 문제가 없다. 현대인들에게는 신체 이곳저곳의 통증은 흔한 증상이다. 이는 운동량 부족과 고정된 자세의 업무환경으로 인해 온몸의 긴장이 연속되어 나쁜 자세로 이어지게 된다. 결과적으로 굽은 등과 어깨높이 차이 등 체형불균형은 원인을 알기 힘든 몸의 피로감도 느끼게 되는 것이다. 현대인의 생활이 전문화되고, 제한된 활동으로 인해 척추 구조에 가해지는 스트레스가 증가하고, 척추를 지지해주는 근육은 약해지게 되었다. 나 또한 장시간을 서 있던 예전의 직업으로 L4,5번의 통증과 골반통등, 요통에 늘 시달려 왔었다. 나는 필라테스를 시작하고 통증 및 후방마비같은 증상들은 많이 개선 되었다. 필라테스를 가르치는 선생님의 역할이 되고 나서 이러한 L4,5번의 통증이 단지 요통의 문제가 아니라 코어(core)와 신체 정렬이 우선된다는 것을 알게 되었다. 신체 발란스가 흐트려질 수 밖에 없는 직업적 자세를 인해 가진 2,30대 여성 2명의 대상으로 6개월간 필라테스를 통해 사례 연구를 해보았다. 그들이 가진 만성적인 경추부 통증과 두통, 요통이 신체 불균형으로 일어난 증상이었으며, 필라테스 운동법을 통해 개선되었다. 필라테스로 되찾은 신체 발란스 사례를 아래와 같이 서술해 연구해 보았다.

Menopause can be a difficult time for women. There are many changes to the mind and body that can be frustrating. Menopause can lead to irritability, weight gain, lethargy and depression. Pilates is a great workout. In addition to feeling great and reducing stress, Pilates makes people feel better about themselves. Pilates improves mood by providing improved mental focus and body awareness, provides physical & social activity which helps alleviated depression, and provides increased bone density from weight bearing exercise. A post-menopausal woman is the client who has kyphosis with head forward posture is seeking a Pilates exercise program as a goal to taking better care of herself. Pilates has many benefits for all age groups, including menopausal women.

This paper discusses the benefits of using the Basi Block System and how it has helped the client regain functional movement to her body by utilising both Mat and equipment exercises. The client suffered an injury to her L5-S1. She had an intervertebral disc herniation with bilateral nerve root compression (L-R). This paper will walk you through exact locations of the injury, possible causes, and the movement program that was worked through which helped to minimise the pain that the client was in, gave her more movement, strength and flexibility and made day to day tasks more achievable.