"I have benefited enormously from Sonja's (ever-patient) tuition, which has communicated not only a love of Pilates, but also how to address and manage my back problems."
Lyn S, Hermitage
Healthy Backs
Effective exercise for the prevention and management of Low Back Pain
The Level 4 Back Pain accreditation enables me to offer the Back4Good programme of Pilates classes or ‘One-to-One’ sessions, specifically tailored for low back pain sufferers.
The Back4Good Programme was developed in response to the guidelines on low back pain published by the National Institute for Health and Clinical Excellence (NICE) in 2009, which suggests that the NHS should actively encourage people with low back pain to take up exercise classes over a prescribed time period. It was created as part of the government’s drive to establish accredited standards within the health and fitness industry. The Programme is approved against a new ‘Level 4’ standard governing the design and management of an exercise programme for low back pain sufferers. This standard is designed to encourage GPs to refer patients in this category. It is overseen by SkillsAktive (the Sector Skills Council for Sport and Leisure) and The Register of Exercise Professionalsand it is endorsed by BackCare, the national charity for healthier backs.
The Back4Good Programme is a Pilates based rehabilitation programme for non-specific low back pain which is tension, soreness and/or stiffness in the lower back region; back pain for which your medical practitioner has not been able to identify a specific cause for the pain. The key focus will be to help you to self-manage your condition and to keep you active.
A GP, physiotherapist, osteopath etc may refer you to me. I will then conduct another assessment prior to starting the programme. You will be taught the principles of Pilates and I will provide and supervise a specific bespoke exercise programme on a ‘One-to-One’ basis for an initial 8 week period, record each session and carry out regular evaluation during the programme. Should you be pain free after the prescribed programme you will be released from the programme and encouraged to join a Pilates class or other physical activity appropriate for you. A discharge letter will be sent to the referring practitioner.
"Bouts of severe back pain, sometimes caused by the slightest irregular back strain, has in the past caused me great distress for anything up to 6 months. Sonja was not only able to identify and isolate the areas of the body which required realignment and strengthening, but was able to teach and direct in a calm and reassuring manner which allowed me to fully trust her and take all her valuable knowledge and guidance on board with full confidence. Through her Pilates teaching I quickly recovered from a recent attack of severe muscle spasms and I finally feel that I am making positive and sustainable rehabilitation. I am now able to go about my daily activities with regained strength and mobility and I will always be truly grateful to her."
Alison K, Shalbourne
