UNit 6: CAM for chronic pain

 iI Marilyn ,

 I reviewed the Weebly page on CAM in older adults that you and your group completed this last week, I was very impressed by your choice of pilates as a CAM for pain in older adults. It was an excellent choice, as it is a mode that is often overshadowed by yoga, which is so popular in currently. Yoga seems to occupy more media space than modalities like Pilates and Tai Chi which are equally effective but less intimidating for older adults. I remember an older gentlemen complaining at my gym because there were two pilates classes a week compared to 10 of yoga per day!

In older women the core and general muscle mass takes quite a beating post menopause and given comorbidities like osteoporosis other exercise modalities may be less recommended. Pilates helps to build muscle and focuses on core recruitment as its central idea. Core muscle recruitment involves diaphragm, abdominal core musculature and pelvic floor muscles and can have significant effect on pain, posture, balance, functional control of bladder and bowel and improved activity tolerance. I found that the articles referenced support the claim that Pilates is a good alternative modality for pain control and functional enhancement in older women. The articles are referenced appropriately in the text and reference section and the videos are effective in conveying the importance of Pilates as an effective CAM. I also liked that you highlighted the personalization aspect of Pilates .  

I felt however that there should have been a reference for the claim that “women may face barriers to pain management due to gender biases in healthcare settings leading to under-diagnose of chronic pain in women.” As well as a little more regarding muscle loss in older adults that causes pain issues esp in low back and neck. Overall, the web page was great and the research referenced really brings out the advantages of Pilates in chronic pain.