Core training has recently become trendy, but it has actually been around for many years.The technique, which focuses and strengthens the pelvic floor and the transverse abdominal muscles, is one of the most beneficial aspects of spinal stability. In my 18 years as a rehabilitation therapist, I have used Pilates (a type of core training), to help hundreds of clients with scoliosis (a curvature of the spine), kyphosis (a rounding of the upper back), lordosis (an extreme arch in the lower back), herniations (a bulging of a disc either anterior or posterior), and S.I. joint instability (an over stretched ligament of the sacrum).
The pelvic floor muscles connect to the very base of the spine, the coccyx or the 'tail bone', the ishium or the 'sitting bones', and the pubis. The transverse abdominal line the pelvic wall and travel up to the mid thoracic region. The transverse abdominal muscles are the deepest of the abdominal muscles. If these muscles are not stabilized when you are attempting your workout, your spine is not correctly stabilized. Technically the muscles that are used in the pelvic floor are pubococcygeus, iliococcygeus, levator ani, coccygeus, and the obturator internus. Imagine a basket, in the base of you body; connected to all four sides of your pelvis, that is how these muscles connect to your bones. They are located just below your belly button and above you pubic bone. When you correctly contract them you lift the base of the body upward. Women are more familiar with these muscles because of the traditional keggle exercises, designed to support the uterus and the bladder.
One of the easiest ways to understand the pelvic floor and the transverse abdominal muscles can be a little graphic. It is so abstract that if not explained clearly and plainly, it will not be understood. It is as if you are going to the toilet and you stop. If you can control those muscles you are well on your way to stabilizing your pelvic floor and finding your core muscles. This may seem a little simplistic but, it is the bases for the support of not only your internal organs but also, your lower spine and sacrum.
Because Pilates is core training, it is highly beneficial for all levels of spine dysfunction. Many Pilate’s exercises are designed to create postural strength focusing on the abdominal muscles as well as the small intrinsic muscles that support our spinal column, such as the pelvic floor muscles and the transverse abdominal muscles.
The entire theory of Pilates is developed around the idea of lengthening the muscles groups while all the time engaging the abdominals. This type of action increases strength and flexibility around the spinal column as well as other major muscle groups. Creating symmetry is another goal that is important to the health of our spine. When our bodies have proper alignment, we are more apt to exercise correctly with less risk of injury. The practice of Pilates is designed to stimulate the proper neurological innervations to create a deeper since of symmetry
As you journey down the path of a strong and healthy spine you should take into consideration the pelvic floor and transverse abdominal muscles. If you do not learn to contract them, you are not supporting your spine from top to bottom. Pilates core training is enjoyable to execute yet yields impressive results.From a problem as small as low back tightness to a problem as large as a spine herniation, Pilates core training may be the answer.
