Clinical Pilates is a form of exercise used by physiotherapists and exercise physiologists to decrease pain, improve function, strength, optimal movement patterns, and proprioception. Physiotherapists modify these exercises to suit your body, specific health needs and goals.
It is an adaptive rehabilitation treatment which helps to restore normal movement, promote healing, and improve overall function and mobility, for an optimal, comfortable, and safe recovery.
Exercise is one of the most effective treatments for many kinds of illness, chronic diseases, and injuries, and when guided by a qualified physiotherapist, the benefits of Clinical Pilates are wide-reaching.
What are the benefits of Clinical Pilates?
Pilates exercises are resistance-based and neurodynamic – they are designed to be task oriented as our brain learns tasks, not specific movements when it forms new patterns. Using the reformer to provide external support or reduced weightbearing where required, this form of exercise can be easily modified to suit all skill levels and injuries. Regularly performing Clinical Pilates will build:
- Enhanced agility and flexibility
- Improved general fitness and muscle strength
- Improved muscle tone and core strength/stability
- Improved postural endurance
- Better movement coordination and efficiency
- Improved proprioception and balance
Clinical Pilates vs Regular Group Pilates – what’s the difference?
Clinical Pilates differs from traditional Pilates in that it takes a more personalised approach, and was developed using physiotherapy/exercise physiologist knowledge and training to adjust, modify and specifically choose Pilates exercises that meet your individual needs and goals. These exercises are chosen based on an in-depth clinical assessment. The original Pilates concept is fantastic for building general strength and control, however does not take into an individual’s injuries, pathologies and specific physical needs.
Prior to starting Clinical Pilates, your physiotherapist will go through an in-depth assessment, regarding your current goals and injuries, previous history of injury and illness, a real time ultrasound assessment of your pelvic floor function, and a series of tests to assess your strength and control across multiple muscle groups. Your physiotherapist will also go through many of the basic Pilates principles around breathing, positioning and body awareness, before taking you through an individualised program one on one.
In Semi-Private Clinical Pilates classes at Back in Motion Como, numbers are limited to 1-5people per class and each exercise is specifically chosen for you by your physiotherapist.
What are the benefits of Clinical Pilates vs Regular Group Pilates?
- 1 on 1 consultations - until you are confident in your body and your program.
- You will have your own individualised program based on physiotherapy principles.
- Exercises can be modified based on symptoms.
- Hands on cueing and correction throughout small group classes.
- Your physiotherapist has the ability to make specific changes to exercises during new injuries or flare ups, based on Physiotherapist knowledge and training.
- Exercise progressions over time will build towards you achieving YOUR specific goals.
- Physiotherapy treatment can be incorporated as part of your program.
Once you are confident in your strength, coordination and body’s abilities, returning to regular Pilates may be a fantastic option for you – see Pilates Studio Como. If you have longer term, chronic, or multiple issues, Clinical Pilates may be the right place to stay!
History of Pilates
The Pilates concept was originally developed by Joseph Pilates, during the First World War to improve the rehabilitation programs in place for soldiers recovering from injury. He wanted to devise a way for soldiers who were unable to stand or walk, to be able to exercise from their hospital beds – and so the first drafts of the Cadillac and Reformer equipment were made. The original concept was to create a series of movements to help soldiers regain their health through stretching, strengthening and stabilising their muscles.
His main goals when designing the original exercises were improve flexibility and strength, while focussing on whole body alignment and stability. It was designed to help people develop a stable musculoskeletal system and provide our bodies with an improved foundation to move with.
What sort of issues can Clinical Pilates help with?
Clinical Pilates is highly effective for a huge range of physical health issues, including:
- Sports-related strength and conditioning, including injury prevention
- Spinal pain management and prevention
- Neck Pain
- Thoracic Pain
- Lower Back Pain
- Post-surgery or traumatic injury rehabilitation
- Rolled ankles
- Knee and hip replacements
- Knee surgery (eg ACL/ meniscus)
- Shoulder injury (rotator cuff/ dislocations)
- Osteoporosis and arthritis management
- Balance retraining
- Chronic pain and fibromyalgia
- Hypermobility disorders
- Pregnancy - Prenatal, antenatal and postnatal conditioning (expecting, new and long-term Mums are all welcome!)
Is Clinical Pilates right for me?
There can be many causes of pain, loss of function, or reduced performance in the body, and it is important to be assessed by your physiotherapist or healthcare professional to find out which treatment options are best for you. Movement is medicine, and exercise provides benefits for your cardiovascular, vestibular and immune system, not just for your muscles and joints.
If you have any questions about Clinical Pilates or would like to book in for a Pilates assessment, please contact one of our physiotherapists at Back In Motion Como so we can help. Please feel free to contact the clinic!
Website: https://www.backinmotion.com.au/como
Phone Number: 9313 3414