Clinical Pilates is an adaptation of traditional Pilates.  It is taught one on one by a physiotherapist and may be the perfect therapy to help strengthen your core muscles and prevent or rehabilitate injuries.  Read on to learn more.

What is Clinical Pilates? 

Clinical Pilates is a modified form of exercise that was developed and is used by physiotherapists to help with the rehabilitation and prevention of muscular injuries.  Specialised equipment such as reformers and trapeze tables may be used along with floor exercises and exercises performed on a ball.  Spring loaded equipment is a major component of Clinical Pilates.  One of the major focuses of this type of therapy is the development of strength in the core muscles – the deep abdominal and pelvic floor muscles.  Along with this, Clinical Pilates focuses on postural education and allowing optimal movement in the body.

How does Clinical Pilates Differ from Standard Pilates?

Clinical Pilates is different to standard Pilates in that the client is individually assessed by a physiotherapist and then given exercises that specifically target their problem areas.  The physiotherapist closely supervises the client’s technique, and grades the exercises so that injuries are prevented.  Some physiotherapists may use real time ultrasound feedback in order to help with training the core stability muscles.  Most health funds will recognise Clinical Pilates as a physiotherapy intervention, so rebates may apply.

Benefits of Clinical Pilates

Some general benefits of Clinical Pilates include:

• the correction of poor mechanics that underlie injuries
• improved posture and flexibility
• firmer and flatter stomach muscles
• improved core stabilisation
• better control over breathing
• less likelihood of injury
• overall body toning
• safe injury management
• identifying the cause of an injury
• one on one treatment with a physiotherapist

Who Can Use Clinical Pilates?

Clinical Pilates is suitable for people that have musculoskeletal pain or injury.  It is particularly good if the symptoms are recurrent or chronic, or if there are motor control problems.    It can also help with post-surgical strengthening, such as in the lower back, sacroiliac joint, hip, shoulder, and neck.  In pre-natal and post-natal women, Clinical Pilates is used to increase pelvic floor strength and control, for prevention and relief of lower back and pelvic pain, and for body reshaping and toning.  People that have postural problems find that Clinical Pilates is helpful as it allows them to develop awareness of their body, as well as increasing their strength and flexibility.  Clinical Pilates is also great for people that want to increase their muscle strength, flexibility and tone.