Reclaiming Life Through Pilates: A Journey with Chronic Pain and Healing
Living with Back Pain: How Pilates Became My Lifeline
Living with chronic back pain is a battle - a fight that impacts every aspect of life, from the mundane to the meaningful. My journey with back pain began long ago, stemming from nearly 6+ years of working in the service industry during my college years. The long hours on my feet, bending and lifting without proper form, eventually took their toll.
It wasn’t until I started physical therapy that I realized how much my body had endured. PT gave me more than exercises; it gave me awareness. I learned to recognize how my body moved, how it compensated for weakness or pain, and how to retrain those patterns. This sparked something in me, a desire to not only heal myself but to help others. That’s ONE of the reasons why I pursued a degree in Exercise Sports Science, focusing on rehabilitation studies. I wanted to understand how the body reacts to stress and to share that knowledge with the world.
A Postpartum Turning Point
After giving birth, my back pain reached new heights. Pregnancy brought its own challenges, including postpartum diastasis recti: a condition where the abdominal muscles separate. This left me feeling weak in my core and unsteady in my movements. The strain on my body made everyday activities; from playing with my toddler to sitting for eight hours at my corporate job, a constant reminder of my pain and limitations.
But giving up wasn’t an option. I had tools: the knowledge I gained through my education and the practice of Pilates.
Why Pilates?
Pilates became my lifeline. It wasn’t just about healing my back pain; it was about rebuilding my core strength and addressing the diastasis recti that had weakened my foundation. Movements like pelvic tilts, bridges, and roll-ups, etc. became my daily rituals that made me feel rejuvenated. They weren’t just exercises; they were my way of reclaiming my life.
What I love about Pilates is its adaptability. Whether I’m running, teaching movement, or chasing after my toddler, Pilates supports every part of my active lifestyle. It reminds me to move with intention, to be mindful of my limits, and to listen to my body.
Why Control and Stability Matter
When you’re in pain, it’s easy to feel out of control. Your body starts compensating, relying on muscles it shouldn’t, which can make things worse. That’s where Pilates comes in. It teaches you how to move with intention, focusing on small, controlled movements that engage the right muscles.
For me, learning how to activate my deep core muscles gave me a sense of stability I didn’t know I needed. It wasn’t about doing flashy moves or lifting heavy weights; it was about reconnecting with my body and finding strength in the basics.
goals;
My goal is to bring awareness to how debilitating chronic pain can be, but also to show that there’s hope. Whether it’s physical therapy, Pilates, or another form of movement, there are ways to reclaim your life and do the things you love.
If you’re living with back pain, or any kind of pain, know that you’re not alone. There’s strength in seeking help, in learning about your body, and in finding what works for you. Go see your local PT, or if you need a recommendation in the Austin area, let me know.
For me, it’s Pilates. For you, it could be the start of something just as transformative.
Everyday is a battle, and I’m ready for the challenges.