What is Clinical Pilates?

It is a form of exercise used by physiotherapists for rehabilitation and prevention of injury. The exercise regime has been adapted from Joseph Pilates’ original techniques to incorporate current scientific knowledge and physiotherapy expertise.

Clinical Pilates uses spring or elastic resistance combined with a series of floor exercises to improve the stability of the spine and therefore control pain and enhance musculoskeletal function. Other equipment incorporated may be the Physio Ball, Magic circle, Roller or small pilates balls.

Traditional strength training may encourage a person to ‘brace’ with their abdominal and other non-specific strength muscles. Depending on the injury and levels of pain a person is experiencing, gym exercise or other recreational activities may be very difficult to undertake. Clinical Pilates uses direction-specific, non-impact movements to enable a person to engage in pain-free exercises immediately following an injury.

Your physiotherapist will first assess your ability to move and control the spine, identifying areas that may be too tight or weak or provide very poor stability to the joints. Based on this assessment a series of specific exercises are then designed to treat your symptoms.

Here at The Melbourne Sports Medicine Centre, your Clinical Pilates program is linked with current research regarding the use of deep stability muscles. This may be aided by the use of Real Time Ultrasound Imaging to identify how effectively your deep internal stability muscles are working.

It is usually recommended that patients undertake a six-week course of Clinical Pilates one-on-one with a Physiotherapist. After this time, you may discuss with your Physiotherapist the best course of action regarding ongoing treatment or the progression to studio-based group Clinical Pilates.

Who/what can Clinical Pilates benefit?

• Back and neck pain – especially chronic or recurring pain
• Poor posture
• Postural related headaches
• Recurring traumatic or overuse sporting injuries
• Rehabilitation post- musculoskeletal surgery
• Pre and post-natal women (pelvic floor and back conditions)
• Poor flexibility or core stability
• Enhanced sporting performance through better movement efficiency
• Prevention of injuries with better core control
• Elderly population with low tolerance to exercise

Appointments

At your initial pilates session your physiotherapist will make a detailed assessment of your situation and introduce you to the basic principles of pilates.  You will be shown how to perform appropriate exercises and an individual program will be developed for you to follow.  The initial pilates appointment will take 1 hour and the cost is $128.00.  As with all physiotherapy appointments, Private Health Insurance can offer a rebate for pilates.

Review pilates sessions allow your physiotherapist to modify the exercise regime to suit your requirements.  Your physiotherapist will supervise you during these sessions to ensure all exercises are done safely and effectively.  Review sessions are 40 minutes and the cost is $82.00. 

For your benefit, packs of 6 review pilates sessions can be purchased for $460.00, providing a $32.00 saving.  Once again, Private Health Insurance can offer a rebate for each session.

For all pilates appointments please wear comfortable clothing you are able to do gentle exercise in.  

Please note that we do require 24 hours notice of appointment cancellation or a cancellation fee may apply.

Appointments can be made with our pilates physiotherapist by phoning reception on 9650 9372.