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.
A thorough assessment is key for Clinical Pilates, to help your physiotherapist design a program that addresses your limitations, takes into account your current pain or injury, and builds progressively towards your specific goals. It’s common to find some differences in your strength and control from left to right, or in different positions – you might be surprised!
What do I need to bring to my assessment?
During your assessment, you will be performing exercises, moving through large ranges of movement and have your pelvic floor assessed via the real time ultrasound machine. In order to keep you safe and comfortable during your assessment you should bring the following things:
- A water bottle – hydration is important!
- A pair of socks – for hygiene reasons.
- Comfortable clothing that stretches well.
- A semi-full bladder – this is needed for the pelvic floor assessment.
(as long as you’ve had something to drink in the previous 1 hour, you’ll be fine) - Any relevant scans or medical information that might affect your ability to exercise.
- Energy – you’ll be moving!
What will be assessed?
Clinical Pilates takes a personalised approach, and uses physiotherapy/exercise physiologist knowledge and training to adjust, modify and specifically choose Pilates exercises that meet your individual needs and goals.
Prior to starting Clinical Pilates, your physiotherapist will go through an in-depth assessment including, but not limited to:
- Your current and future goals
- Any current injuries or performance limitations
- Previous history of injury and illness
- A real time ultrasound assessment (RTUS) of your pelvic floor function
- A series of functional tests to assess your strength and control across multiple muscle groups
- Your reason for starting clinical exercise
- Any history of pregnancy or other Women’s/Men’s Health history
These functional physical tests aim to find a baseline level of fitness, strength and control, and highlight any areas that need more specific attention – you may be surprised by the differences! These tests become a great tool to measure progress and find areas that may contribute to your current issues. This may include a selection of exercises like:
- Squats and single leg squats
- Planks or wall push ups
- Mini crunch or chin tucks
- Toe taps
- Range of motion
- Calf raises or hopping
You may complete a variety of these exercises, dependent on your current abilities, as well as some specific tests around your current issues and goals.
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.
What happens after my assessment?
Your physiotherapist will likely recommend between 1-5 individual 1-on-1 sessions to build your program and ensure you understand the principles of Pilates, set up and safety, and are confident with your program. The number of sessions will depend on your previous experience, your confidence in your body and your program, and the complexity of your treatment plan.
Your individualised exercise program will be built during these sessions, based on physiotherapy principles. Once you are confident enough with your program, you will be able to book into small group classes under the guidance of your physiotherapist.
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.
- Each class member will complete their own individual programs – everyone is different!
- You will get hands on cueing and correction throughout classes.
- Your physio will help you set up and modify your machine and springs for each exercise.
- Your physiotherapist has the ability to make specific changes to exercises during new injuries or flare ups, based on Physiotherapist knowledge and training.
- Exercises will be progressed by your physiotherapist over time to help you build towards you achieving YOUR specific goals.
Once you are confident in your strength, coordination and body’s abilities, and have achieved your rehabilitation goals, returning to regular Pilates may be a fantastic option for you or if you have longer term, chronic, or multiple issues, Clinical Pilates may be the right place to stay!
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