It's normal for most people to ignore pain in the shoulder and neck because they are used to pain, thinking that it will go away after a while. There are cases however when the pain returns quickly and eventually becomes chronic. By then it's very clear that something has to be done.

Pilates is a total body workout, suitable for people of all ages and health levels. It is also quickly becoming the exercise of choice for people who want to achieve more than just a healthy and well-balanced lifestyle. Pilates is about body mind connection. The mind is very involved when the body is being put through Pilates training. By combining "Stretch and Strength" factor in the exercise regime, Pilates aims to strengthen the body in a flexible manner. This is important in the treatment of various orthopaedic conditions, especially pain in the neck and shoulder.

What is Pilates?

Pilates is founded nearly a century ago by Joseph Pilates, a German. Since he was frail and weak as a child, he suffered from various childhood conditions. He wanted to be strong and needed to find a way to develop his body. As it was his duty as a nurse during the war to look after the injured soldiers in his camp, he used his pain relief exercises for the rehabilitation of these patients who were bedridden. His patients achieved very good recovery under his care.

Dancers, athletes, and gymnasts discovered Pilates helped them to do their sports longer without injury. It has been used for decades as a body conditioning routines. Hollywood actors and actresses used Pilates to build up their flexibility and endurance without introducing unwanted muscle bulk in the body.

Reasons for Doing Pilates

Neck and shoulder pain issues are among the most common types of pain for many people. Because Pilates exercises offer the very important component of "stretch" in its discipline, it is very effective in the treatment of pain. It is therefore, highly recommended by chiropractors, physiotherapists and most sports doctors for post rehabilitation treatment.

Understanding the Origin of Pain

Understanding how the neck and shoulders pain come about in the best way to start. It can be either an accident or a poor posture. Most neck and shoulder problems come from bad habits, like long hours of sitting still. These long hours of sitting, makes the muscles tired and weak. The muscles, ligaments, and tendons as well as a number of other supporting structures, become strained. Over time, pain can be felt up the neck and shoulder. For some, there may be radiating pain down the arms as well. The neck and shoulders are very closely related anatomically. Pain can run randomly back and forth or pain can be felt at both areas at the same time.

Pilates pain relief exercises needs to be specific to the muscle group - the neck and the shoulder area! Relieving tightness in this area will lead to release of pain as circulation improves due to movement. Mobility in terms of gentle stretches to improve tired fascia and poor muscle tone.

Pilates Exercises for Neck and Shoulder Pain

Pilates fundamental exercises like "Nose Nods" improves articulation of the neck vertebrae, something you will not be doing if you are staring at your computer all day, engrossed in your work. This exercise releases tight tendons and ligaments of the first and second neck spine. You will breathe better and the head feels clearer and the neck feels much lighter.

"Angel Arms" moves the shoulder joints and re- energized the shoulder blades. Moving the shoulder joint in a circular motion is specific to your shoulder's range of motion. It is functional and helps to release tension and stress.

In doing Pilates, you will also learn how to hold the right posture and form during work and play so that the neck and shoulder pain will not be aggravated. Always trained with an experienced Pilates professional so that your exercise program is properly supervised. And as you get better, your program can be changed accordingly.

Do you suffer from neck ache and constant neck pain? And have you tried neck massage, medication like muscle relaxer and have gone to a chiropractor? If you have done all that and the pain still persists, it's time to take the proactive approach. If you are suffering from chronic neck pain and are looking for a long term solution to your neck pain relief, consider Pilates. Research has proven that Pilates can be your solution to achieving immediate relief. Pilates can be a great program to help you heal faster. If your muscles always seem to be tense and tight, it can work to relieve stress and tension.

Why Are My Muscles so Tense?

Muscles can become tense for any number of reasons. Stress and tension are big contributors. If you are an athlete with a vigorous training schedule, your muscles may be working overtime. They become hard, knotted and tense without being stretched. Sitting behind a desk all day and looking at a computer screen has caused many people to complain of muscle and neck pain. Other factors like a build-up of protein can also cause painful knots and restrict mobility. Accidents and injuries can also cause scar tissues and create tightness. Muscles that are tense are short and weak. Healthy muscles are long and strong. Pilates as a total body conditioning regime focuses on strengthening, stretching and adding core endurance. All these key factors contribute to gaining results.

How Does Pilates Relieve Neck Pain?

As mentioned above, Pilates works on strengthening your core. The routines are very specific and yield specific results. By using slow, deliberate movements, muscles are stretched and strengthened, easing tension and soreness. Muscles are able to relax as they get stronger and healthier. You will also learn proper breathing techniques. All these contribute to effective pain relief. Breathing will relax your whole body, easing tension. Good posture means you are not hunched over or putting undue stress on your neck and shoulders.

What are Some Specific Exercises I Can Do?

There are some very effective neck pain exercises you can do that will ease tension and stiffness. These exercises can be done at your work desk. It is important to keep your neck moving at every two hours. As long as you keep your neck mobile with movement, the neck is less tired and less likely to seize up. You can do simple neck related movements like Neck Rolls and Side Stretches.

Neck Rolls

Move your neck sideways, right to left. Rotate it side to side clockwise, switch direction. 10-15 repetitions are usually sufficient.

Side Stretches

Stand with your feet hip width apart and bring your left hand with fingertips near your right ear; turn your head towards your left shoulder while stretching your right arm out. Hold the stretch for a few seconds and then switch sides.

Pilates pain relief exercises are an effective natural remedy for any type of muscle soreness due to an injury or an accident. Muscles are like brain tissues: use it or lose it. It's important to build up strength as they heal so they will not atrophy as in shrank but be strong for years to come. These exercises are a critical part of your everyday routines, even when your body is healthy and vibrant. You will notice your posture improve, your agility sharpens and you can move with ease and grace. Being fit and toned is an important goal for anyone. You can do them in the comfort of your own home or at your desk since most people spent more than 8 hours at work daily. When you see and feel the difference in your body, you will know to make Pilates a regular part of your healthy lifestyle.

Have you ever wonder what is the difference between doing Pilates exercise and Pilates exercise for pain relief?

Because doing Pilates the right way is not only essential but it also ensures the benefits are maximized with regards to pain relief. There are Pilates exercises designed for body conditioning, core engagement, flexibility, muscular endurance and strength and more. Pilates exercises for pain relief are entirely different and they require more specific instructions and proper supervision. Therefore learning Pilates from a qualified instructor or trainer who has experienced in rehabilitation is still the best option.

Surely one can learn Pilates online through podcasts as well as from training guide manuals, DIY books, and DVDs. However for pain relief of the neck, shoulder, back, and knees, it is important to work together in regular sessions with a Pilates instructor in a one-on-one sessions for better results.

Working in Pilates private training with an instructor can provide personalized guidance. An instructor can quickly make corrections to the students' wrong moves thus avoiding the possibility where students pull a muscle, or worse injure themselves in the process.

Working with the right professionals means they are knowledgeable and reliable in introducing new equipment. They also give right instructions on the usage of the machines such as the pilates reformer.

Here are some Pilates pain relief exercises tips that can be done together with an instructor for the specific different types of body pain.

Pilates Neck Pain Relief Exercise

-Adjust the neck into neutral centre position.
-Inhale and turn the head to one side.
-Exhale slowly. Inhale again while stretching the neck and then exhale as the head rotates.
-Return to center position.
-Repeat the same movements while this time turning to the other side.
-Perform the exercise twice in every side while consciously ensuring proper neck alignment.

Pilates Shoulder Pain Relief Exercise

-Lie down in neutral position.
-Lift the arms in vertical position with palms facing one another.
-Stretch the arms to the ceiling with the elbows soft and relaxed.
-Stretch one arm further to elevate the shoulder blade off the mat.
-Drop the shoulder blade slowly to the floor while keeping arms to the ceiling.
-Do the same movement five times on each side.

Pilates Back Pain Relief Exercise

-Lie down on your back.
-Stretch the legs out or bend the knees.
-Try to raise the head and legs off the floor for a couple of inches.
-Should the movement places stress that is too much to bear on the lower back, raise head and place the feet on the floor while bending the knees.
-Relax the neck throughout the exercise.
-Extend the arms and do raising and lowering movements on them for just a couple of inches.
-While at it, inhale for five counts and exhale for five counts.

Pilates Knee Pain Relief Exercise

-Lie supine and extend both legs.
-Raise one leg toward the ceiling.
-Do leg circle five times in clockwise motion
-And five times in counterclockwise motion.
-Do the same on the other leg.