CTV report Pilates and Back Pain
Friday 10th October 2008
Are you interested in knowing more about our Modified Pialtes classes? Nigel was interviewed, along with class-member Nathalie, for National Back Care week. Watch the report from Channel Television here:
This is the report posted on the CTV website (Published on 09 October 2008):
It's Back Care Awareness Week - a campaign to get us all to take better care of our backs.
In the Channel Islands four out of five islanders will at some stage suffer from back pain - and that's expensive.
Last year in Jersey alone £800,000 was paid out in short-term incapacity allowance for back pain. The long-term allowance was in excess of £2.5 million.
Local physiotherapist and modified pilates instructor Nigel Mann says an important way of handling a back injury is simply to keep moving.
Nigel's top ten tips to a healther back:
1. Remember that prevention is better than cure -follow the 20:20 rule: every 20 minutes move for 20 seconds.
2. When you experience back pain, try to continue your normal activities as much as you can.
3. When in pain keep active and take OTC medication (always consult your pharmacist if in doubt).
4. Sit up straight - imagine a piece of string pulling you up from the crown of your head and growing tall through your body.
5. If you are uncomfortable when driving, place a rolled up towel or cushion in the small (bottom) of your back.
6. Make sure that your car head rest is no more than 5 cms from your head.
7. Balance rest and exercise - everything in moderation is the key to a healthy back.
8. When lifting, always bend your knees not your back and lift and carry objects at waist level close to your body.
9. Do go to your GP if your symptoms persist or if you are worried in any way.
10. ‘How will I know if this exercise is doing me good?’ Do see a physiotherapist to help you make a full recovery and prevent relapses.
