Neck Pain with Reformer Pilates Classes

Neck Pain from Pilates Reformer Classes? Here’s Why It Happens and How to Fix It

Pilates is a fantastic way to strengthen your deep core and trunk stabilizers. It improves posture, balance, coordination, and body awareness—and many people find it especially helpful for back pain. However, as physical therapists, we also see certain injuries arise from Pilates classes, particularly reformer Pilates. One of the most common complaints? Neck pain and tension.

Why Might Pilates Be Contributing to Neck Pain?

While Pilates is designed to promote proper body mechanics, certain movements—especially when performed incorrectly—can lead to increased strain on the neck. Here are a few common reasons:

• Holding planks too long without proper form
• Using reformer cables without correct muscle engagement or appropriate resistance
• Recruiting neck muscles to perform core exercises

When your core or scapular stabilizers aren’t fully engaged, your body tends to compensate. This often means overusing the neck and upper trapezius muscles, especially during high-resistance or advanced movements. Over time, this compensation can lead to muscular tension, stiffness, and persistent pain.

How can physical therapy help?

Physical therapy can be a powerful tool to reduce neck pain and improve your Pilates practice. Here’s how we address the issue:

• Joint mobilizations to improve neck mobility
• Soft tissue release to address trigger points and muscle tightness
• Dry needling for deep muscle tension and trigger point release
• Targeted strengthening of deep neck flexors and extensors
• Scapular and core stability and endurance training to support proper posture during exercises
• Proprioceptive training to help you better sense and correct faulty movement patterns

Final Thoughts

If you’re experiencing neck pain during or after your Pilates reformer sessions, you’re not alone—and you don’t have to push through the discomfort. With the right guidance and targeted therapy, you can get back to moving well and feeling your best.

If you could benefit from learning more about neck tension or proper form during Pilates classes, schedule an appointment here, call us at 312-643-1555, or email info@dynamic-pt.com.

Dynamic Physical Therapy • https://dynamic-pt.com • 220 W Huron St Suite 2004, Chicago, IL 60654