Yoga vs Pilates for Back Pain Relief?

Discover the difference Between Yoga and Pilates for Back Pain Management.

Yoga vs Pilates for your back pain management? What is the difference between Yoga and Pilates when it comes to this sensitive subject? I am asked this question daily in my Physiotherapy/Pilates practice.

And the answer? Well, the answer changes every day!!

There are so many ways of answering this question because in my opinion, there are so few differences in Yoga vs Pilates. So, let's break the answer down a bit.

First we will aim to answer the question: "What is Yoga?" Then, we will have a look at "What is Pilates?"

Finally, let's put them side by side and have a look at some of the differences between Yoga vs Pilates.

I have put these answers together based on my own experience as a Physiotherapist - one who specialises in managing back pain - and a pilates instructor. I have also incorporated my knowledge of Yoga.

So, let's start with What is Yoga?
It is easy to become overwhelmed with the principles of Yoga. Although there are many forms of Yoga they all share aspects of:

Relaxation: Yoga focuses directly on releasing tension from your body and mind. It uses breathing, positions and exercises to do this.

Movement: Yoga is based on a series of movements aimed at exercising your whole body. This in turn relaxes and connects the body with the mind. It aims at stretching and strengthening the body as a whole.

Breathing: Yoga breathing is deep, slow and rhythmical. It aims on releasing tension in the body and mind.

Positive energy: Is the mind control aspect of Yoga, where Yoga encourages positive thinking, which in turn your body, mind and life respond to.

And now, on to the question What is Pilates?
Pilates is a body, mind spirit approach to movement. The main components of Pilates include;

Centering Is where you bring your awareness to your centre around your lower tummy and initiate your movement sequences from this point.

Control: All Pilate’s exercises are performed with control through concentration, specific movement and positioning of each body part.

Precision: Refers to all Pilate exercises, all having a very specific format, where full concentration is required.

Breath: Integrating a full breath into each Pilate exercise is a fundamental element of Pilate exercises. Each part of a movement is associated specifically with an in breath or an out breath.

Flow: All Pilate exercises are performed in a gentle, flowing manner which enhances the body mind connection.

And so, What are the Differences between Yoga vs Pilates?
In my experience, there are more similarities between Yoga and Pilates than there are differences.

difference between yoga and pilates

The origins of both are different - and the "deep soul" of both Pilates and yoga are also different. Pilates has a greater physical root, arising from an interest in reducing back pain through strengthening your core muscles. Yoga, on the other hand, has a spiritual as well as physical origin, which aims at benefiting your body and mind equally.

However, many experienced Pilate’s instructors (like myself) would admit that over the years they have learned to teach Pilates with an input from both Yoga teachings as well as Pilates courses. I have noticed that Yoga teachers with experience of Pilates often say the same thing. Indeed, both disciplines work beautifully together. In my opinion both exercise practices are fundamental to back care management, once taught appropriately with your specific back problem in mind.

OK - so they are the similarities - but might still be asking "Should I do Pilates or Yoga?"

If you have back pain then I strongly advise that you first attend a chartered Physiotherapist who has a qualification in Pilates or yoga before embarking on a Pilates or yoga programme. The reason for this is because the type of back or neck pain that you have will influence the type of Pilates or yoga exercises that you should do. Put simply, not all Pilate’s exercises are good for back pain. Movements require tailoring to your specific presentation. I frequently see clients who have have worsened their back or neck pain by performing inappropriate Pilate or yoga exercises.

However, I generally advise people who are experiencing back pain to do Pilates rather than yoga, as I find the emphasis is more on strength with Pilates, rather than mobility with Yoga. And strength-building is what back and neck pain management ALWAYS requires as part of rehabilitation. If mobility is your problem - and you are not experiencing pain - then yoga may be of greater benefit to your back care management.

In summary - Yoga vs Pilates for Back Pain? Well, both disciplines are of great value in the management and treatment of back and neck pain - once they are taught correctly - and tailored specifically to your back condition. As always, first seek Physiotherapy advice.

Further References:

Discover the History and Benefits of Pilates
What Pilates Equipment should you use?
What should you look for in a Pilates Class?
What is Core Strength Training?
How useful is Pilates During Pregnancy?
Have a look at some Pilates Sample Exercises

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The information on this web site does not replace specific medical advice. It should only be used to complement advice from your doctor. Always seek in-person advice from a doctor or other qualified health provider for your particular condition.