Thanks to Julian I discovered how nice it to practice Pilates! He is a fantastic teacher and he did a very good job in putting me back on track after a hip surgery and some other joint problems. It was a pleasure to work with him – he is very professional and a very nice person as well. He was able to adapt the reformer classes to my strengths and weaknesses hence I really enjoyed every minute of each class. We worked together for just two months (unfortunately, I left Budapest) but I made a great progress during this time. I hope to have the chance to work with him again and I would strongly recommend his studio. Keep up the good work Julian! - Roxanna S
I was new to pilates when I started going to see Julian and was a little nervous, I soon found out there was no need to be. Julian is a fantastic, knowledgable teacher who is easy to talk to and very supportive. He tailors the instruction to your needs and goes the extra mile to make sure you are happy. - Helen B
Did you know?
Paleo-anthropologists believe back pain was the price our human ancestors paid in learning to walk on two legs. Back pain didn't threaten survival of the species so it stuck around.
Fear Avoidance is the belief that doing a task or physical activity will make the pain worse. This includes things work related or life related like driving. However, Fear Avoidance actually makes it worse if your pain is not acute (a fresh injury).
Pilates for Back Pain and Post Rehabilitation Exercise
Pilates exercises are recommended by the NHS for non-specific back pain. Their effectiveness recommended through UK's clinical guidelines. It is also an exercise program commonly used in post-rehabilitation due to its accessibility, low impact and application to a wide age range.
Julian, started Pilates because of its reputation to manage or overcome chronic back pain and its effectiveness led him to become a teacher. As a certified Back4Good teacher we provide a Pilates program in line with the guidelines to help others overcome back pain.
Back4Good teachers are recognised by UK's BackCare Charity as Back Care professionals. Your Pilates teachers work as part of your lower back pain team using appropriate Pilates exercises to help you manage and minimise lower back pain.
We concentrate mostly, but not exclusively, on chronic (longer than 3 month old) lower back pain, experienced by 84% of adults in their lifetime. As part of his Level 4 qualifications Julian also works with post-rehabilitation clients who experience chronic pain, mobility or stability issues throughout the body. Many are referred by physiotherapists.
We concentrating on building strength in the support structures and removing movement restrictions that may provoke pain. The Back4Good exercises work by improving poor movement patterns and posture that irritates or accentuates the pain. It teaches better muscle recruitment and improved range of movement.
Is this appropriate for me?
These classes are good for people with different symptoms but the mix of individual or group class will change depending on the origin of the pain. We have a role in helping with Chronic Pain, Nerve Pain, Back Pain as a result of surgeries and Neck Pain that may also cause migraines and headaches.
Chronic pain
Non-specific lower back pain experienced for longer than 3 month or more effects by 84% of adults in their lifetime. In most instances you will have had MRI's, X-Rays and seen everyone by this point and not received an answer.
For most people group classes is the best option. For some clients who have intense pain or fear of moving the spine, it may be better to start with individual classes before moving into group classes.
Nerve pain
Nerve root compression results in sciatic pain (buttocks, back and side of leg) or femoral pain (front of the leg). Once your GP or physiotherapist is satisfied it is no longer going through the healing process this class is good for you.
The majority of clients will start with individual classes before moving into group classes. Many continue to do both to manage the issue and for some private classes will be the only suitable option if the pain is highly irritable.
Post rehabilitation
In post rehabilitation of other medical procedures, some people gain back pain as a result. This can be from an imbalance in muscle strength and patterning caused from a lack of movement during healing and recovery. It is also a side effect some disc surgeries where people experience increased stiffness and loss of movement.
All clients begin with individual classes. Group classes often remain unsuitable for serious issues.
Neck pain, migraines and tension headaches
While not lower back pain, more and more people are finding the same non-specific outcomes in diagnosis. Using the same principals and protocols, I have had some success in reducing the frequency and intensity of pain, migraines and headaches.
All clients start with individual classes and need to progress before moving into group classes. Many continue to do both to manage the issue.
Things to know
What to bring?
Bring any notes and advice you have received from medical staff on what should be avoided, what should be moved later and what needs work now.
If you are on any drugs then ask your doctor or pharmacist if they are safe for exercise. Don't bring X Rays or MRIs, only what has been diagnosed.
How do you know an exercise is right or what happens if it gets worse?
Part of my training was to know contraindications to exercise and to look for times when to refer back to medical help. This means keeping open communication about the occurrence of pain and documenting irritable movements.
Should I rest until I've seen you?
No. Keep doing your daily activities unless you have been told by your doctor or physiotherapist to rest. Walking helps.
Can you cure it?
I don't offer cures but I do believe the body needs exercise to recover form and function. For those of us with back pain, as I have experienced as well, this requires appropriate exercise to strengthen muscles, increase flexibility and improve muscle recruitment so you move safely and well.
Where can I find out more?
The Back Book https://backaholic.files.wordpress.com/2014/12/the_back_book-2.pdf
NICE Back Pain Guidelines https://www.nice.org.uk/guidance/conditions-and-diseases/musculoskeletal-conditions/low-back-pain
The BackCare Charity http://backcare.org.uk
Back4Good http://www.bodycontrolpilates.com/shop/the-back4good-programme.html