Clinical Pilates
WHAT IS CLINICAL PILATES?
Clinical Pilates is a specialised form of exercise guided by a physiotherapist or trained health professional. It takes the core principles of traditional Pilates – improving core strength, posture, flexibility, and body control – and adapts them to help people recover from injuries, enhance movement, and prevent future problems.
Unlike regular Pilates classes, Clinical Pilates provides individualised exercise programs tailored to each person’s unique needs. We take into account your strengths, weaknesses, mobility or flexibility restrictions, any injuries or conditions you’re managing and your goals. These exercises are completed in a controlled, supervised setting to ensure correct technique and to achieve the greatest possible benefit from each session.
WHAT IS THE FOCUS OF CLINICAL PILATES?
Clinical Pilates exercises focus on strengthening the deep stabilising muscles that support your body’s foundation. This includes the deep core muscles such as the transverse abdominis, obliques, and pelvic floor muscles, as well as the deep gluteal and back muscles that stabilise the hips, pelvis, and spine.
These deep muscles act as a bracing mechanism in anticipation of movement and help reduce the load placed on the spine. This function is often affected by pain or injury to the spine, poor posture, abdominal surgery, or pregnancy. Deep muscle strengthening exercises form the foundation of any effective exercise or rehabilitation program, providing you with well-rounded strength for your optimal daily lifestyle.
WHAT CONDITIONS BENEFIT FROM CLINICAL PILATES?
Our physiotherapists have found Clinical Pilates extremely effective for a wide range of conditions, including:
Spinal Conditions
- Non-specific lower back pain
- Lumbar spine conditions (discogenic pain, stenosis, facet joint arthropathy)
- Cervical pain and whiplash-associated disorders
- Thoracic pain and stiffness
- Postural-related dysfunctions
- Sacroiliac joint dysfunction
- Scoliosis
Joint & Musculoskeletal Conditions
- Shoulder instability or impingement syndromes
- Hip-related conditions (femoroacetabular impingement, gluteal tendinopathy, bursitis)
- Osteoarthritis
- Rheumatoid arthritis
- Osteoporosis and osteopenia
Sports & Rehabilitation
- Sport-related injuries and rehabilitation
- Return-to-sport conditioning needs
- Pre and post-operative rehabilitation
- High performance
Women’s Health
- Pelvic floor dysfunction
- Pregnancy-related musculoskeletal pain
- Post-abdominal surgery recovery
Balance, Strength & Neurological
- Falls and balance-related concerns
- Global muscle weakness and functional decline
- Stroke rehabilitation
- Parkinson’s disease
- Multiple sclerosis
- Cerebral palsy (mild cases)
WHAT DOES CLINICAL PILATES LOOK LIKE AT WHITTLESEA PHYSIOTHERAPY?
Our goal is to create a tailored Clinical Pilates program so you can reach your full potential, return to your optimal level of function, and get back to doing what you love!
Comprehensive Assessment
We provide a comprehensive, full-body Clinical Pilates assessment conducted by our experienced physiotherapists for each individual prior to beginning their classes. This assessment is necessary to determine your individualised Clinical Pilates equipment and exercise program, as we know every person has different needs and goals they are working towards.
Specialised Equipment & Facilities
Our Pilates studio includes rehabilitation facilities for individual and small group programs on specialised equipment, including:
- Reformers
- Trapeze Table
- Wunda Chair
- TRX
- Cable Machine
Small Group Classes
Clinical Pilates classes at Whittlesea Physiotherapy have a maximum of four participants per group and are facilitated by our qualified allied health professionals. This ensures you receive personalised attention and guidance throughout your session.
Flexible Options
From your assessment, a detailed and individualised program is developed, allowing you to begin your Clinical Pilates journey through either:
- Supported small group classes
- One-on-one sessions
READY TO GET STARTED?
Reach out today to learn more or to book your Clinical Pilates assessment!