Clinical Pilates

The Pilates method of exercise has been around for about 100 years and has mainly been the domain of dancers and performers, utilising special apparatus. More recently Pilates has expanded into the fitness industry in the form of mat exercises, the use of gym balls and specific apparatus.

Clinical Pilates differs from the recreational Pilates that is practised in the fitness community. Over recent years extensive research has been undertaken that demonstrates the benefits of improving the strength and function of the deep stabilising abdominal and back muscles (core stability).

Clinical Pilates has been developed by physiotherapists to help individuals with chronic low back pain, combining the original concepts of Joseph Pilates with the current research. Such individuals often have poor muscle control and endurance in their trunk musculature. The focus of Clinical Pilates is to encourage  submaximal muscle control using variable resistance for those patients who have experienced a musculoskeletal injury, commonly a lower back injury. By conditioning the deeper stabilising muscles, the body moves more efficiently and individuals are more protected against injury in everyday activity.

In our practice we utilise a Pilates reformer for individual programmes as well as run regular classes. All  of  our physiotherapists have undertaken training in Clinical Pilates.

Pilates Reformer

If you prefer individual sessions on the reformer one of our physiotherapists can work out a programme for you. The physiotherapist will need to supervise your first few sessions on  the reformer, after which you will be able to follow the exercises on your own, with physiotherapy assistance as required.

Clinical Pilates Classes

Our practice runs beginners classes as well as follow on classes. Our beginners classes combine gentle stretches, Clinical Pilates and core stability exercises as well as back education. The classes  run for 5 consecutive weeks, usually with no more than 5 participants. These classes run for 1 hour. Current sessions are 6.00 pm Tuesday, 1.00 pm Wednesday and 5.00 pm Thursday. We ask you to attend for an assessment prior to the first class to check you for any contraindications and to teach you the basic exercises before the first class. The exercises are done on mats or on the electric couches if you are uncomfortable on the floor. You will need to check with your fund as to the rebate payable for attending the classes.

Our follow on classes are also small group and  are currently on 8.00am Tuesday, 8.30 am Wednesday and 6.00pm Thursday. The follow on classes are more advanced. These classes may incorporate the use of gym balls, light weights and resistance tubing and also run for one hour.