Clinical Pilates

What is Clinical Pilates?​

​Clinical Pilates is a rehabilitation-focused exercise method that helps individuals recover from injury, improve movement and prevent future injuries. It involves a series of controlled, low-impact exercises designed to address specific physical concerns, such as back pain, joint problems or post-surgical recovery. Exercises are carefully chosen and adapted to each patient's condition, allowing them to strengthen their muscles without putting undue stress on injured areas. Clinical Pilates enhances core stability, corrects movement patterns, promotes mind-body connection and improves posture, making it advantageous for addressing musculoskeletal issues as well as promoting overall wellness. 

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What Conditions Does Clinical Pilates Help With? 

We use Clinical Pilates to assist with a wide range of conditions, including:

• Back pain, including chronic and acute conditions

• Neck pain and tension-related issues

• Joint hypermobility and instability

• Postural dysfunction

• Pelvic floor conditions and core weakness

• Rehabilitation after surgery or injury (eg. ACL repair, spinal surgery)

• Osteoporosis and osteopenia

• Sports injuries and performance enhancement

• Pre- and post-natal conditions

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What Does It Involve?

1. Initial Assessment: Before beginning Clinical Pilates, you will undergo an assessment with your physiotherapist. This includes evaluating your posture, movement patterns, muscle imbalances, and flexibility. The goal is to understand any specific needs or areas of weakness that can be addressed through Pilates.

2. Setting Goals: Based on your assessment, you and your physiotherapist will collaborate to set realistic goals for your Pilates program. Whether you're recovering from injury, managing chronic pain, or improving strength, these goals guide your sessions.

3. Tailored Program: Your program is designed to target your individual needs. The exercises will be modified to suit your level of fitness, range of motion and injury status. Unlike general Pilates classes, Clinical Pilates is tailored to ensure it’s appropriate for your body and condition.

4. Movement and Breathing Focus: Clinical Pilates places a strong emphasis on controlled movements and breathing techniques. You'll learn to engage your core muscles while maintaining stability throughout your movements. Proper breathing is essential for muscle engagement and relaxation during exercises.

5. Using Equipment: We will use Pilates equipment such as reformers, cadillacs, or stability balls. These tools help provide resistance and support to enhance the effectiveness of exercises.

6. Progressive Exercise: As you build strength, flexibility and endurance, your exercises will gradually increase in difficulty. Your physiotherapist will monitor your form to ensure you’re progressing safely and effectively.

7. Regular Feedback and Adjustments: Throughout your sessions, your physiotherapist will provide feedback and make adjustments to your technique or the program to ensure continuous progress and prevent injury.

8. Ongoing Evaluation: As your strength and mobility improve, regular reassessments will help refine your exercises. This ensures that the program continues to meet your needs and progress toward your goals.

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Frequently Asked Questions

What is the difference between Clinical Pilates and Pilates? 

Clinical Pilates and Pilates share a focus on improving strength, stability, flexibility and overall fitness. The primary difference between Clinical Pilates and Pilates is the population they are intended for. Clinical Pilates is specifically designed for injury rehabilitation, injury prevention and addressing specific physical conditions like chronic pain or post-surgical recovery. Pilates is typically ideal for healthy individuals looking to improve general fitness, increase flexibility and build strength. Clinical Pilates is more suited for those recovering from injuries or managing specific health issues.​ 

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In summary, Pilates is suitable for those looking to maintain or improve their general fitness, while Clinical Pilates is often recommended for people who require more individualised attention and modification of exercises to accommodate specific conditions. 

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​​​​​​​​​​Is Clinical Pilates suitable for people with no prior experience in Pilates? 

Absolutely! Clinical Pilates can benefit individuals at any fitness level, including those with no prior Pilates experience. Exercises are adjusted to meet your current abilities and will progress as your strength, mobility, and confidence improve. Your physiotherapist will guide you every step of the way.

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Do I need to be flexible to do Clinical Pilates?

No, flexibility is not a requirement to begin Clinical Pilates. One of the benefits of Clinical Pilates is that exercises are tailored to your current physical abilities, including your level of flexibility. In fact, many people who start Clinical Pilates are looking to improve their flexibility and mobility. A physiotherapist will adjust the exercises to ensure that they are safe and effective for your specific condition, and flexibility will naturally improve over time with regular practice​

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How often should I attend Clinical Pilates sessions for injury recovery? 

The frequency of your sessions will depend on your individual condition and recovery goals. Typically, patients start with 1-2 sessions per week and progress to fewer sessions as they regain strength and function. Your physiotherapist will create a personalised plan based on your needs.

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Can Clinical Pilates help prevent future injuries? 

Yes, one of the primary benefits of Clinical Pilates is injury prevention. By improving core strength, flexibility, posture and movement mechanics, Clinical Pilates helps you move more efficiently and reduces the risk of re-injury. It is a great way to maintain a strong, injury-resistant body.

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Will I feel sore after a Clinical Pilates session? 

It is common to experience mild soreness after Clinical Pilates, especially if you're working muscles that haven’t been engaged in a while. This is usually temporary and should subside within a day or two. If you experience significant discomfort or pain, consult with your physiotherapist to adjust your exercises.​​​​

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