It’s likely you’ve heard of Pilates, but what about Clinical Pilates?
Pioneered by physiotherapist and former professional dancer with the Australian Ballet, Craig Phillips, Clinical Pilates is a patient-specific adaptation of Pilates. During a general Pilates class, clients are guided through the same program and exercises. Clinical Pilates, modified for therapeutic use by trained physiotherapists, aims to provide a more individualised approach to treatment and goals and is suitable for all ages and abilities.
Specialised equipment is utilised in Clinical Pilates to assist and direct movements during exercises. Move Better for Life Clinical Pilates class sizes are limited to 4 people per class. This allows for intensive one-on-one instruction and functional stability programs tailored to the needs of each individual client with carefully selected exercises to suit each specific injury or condition. Your physiotherapist will teach and guide you through the exercises and help you adapt to your program as it evolves with your progress.
Benefits of Clinical Pilates
Clinical Pilates aims to improve function, balance, muscle efficiency, motor control, movement of the body, and more. Clinical Pilates has been found to be beneficial to many who struggle with chronic pain, especially in the back, hip, and knees.
In addition, Clinical Pilates serves as a conservative alternative for managing conditions that may otherwise require surgery, such as ligament reconstruction or joint replacements. It is also beneficial both before and after surgical procedures.
Some of the valuable benefits of Clinical Pilates:
• Improved posture and core stability
• Increased muscular strength and flexibility
• Aiding rehabilitation and recovery
• Restoration of normal movement patterns
• Enhanced breathing control
• Increased coordination and muscle control
• Improved overall body tone and fitness
• Improved balance
• Prevent injuries
Clinical Pilates utilises a range of specialty equipment.
Reformer
The Pilates reformer is a popular piece of Clinical Pilates equipment that utilises a spring mechanism to create resistance, which can be adjusted to increase or decrease the challenge of each exercise. These exercises are typically organised into sequences, with the most common being footwork, hip, abdominal, arm, back, and spine series. Additionally, there are whole-body exercises that involve the integration of upper, lower, and torso movements. By incorporating these exercises into your workout routine, you can improve your overall strength, flexibility, and balance.
There are more than 500 documented reformer exercises that can be customised in almost an infinite number of ways to fit the specific needs, abilities and progress of each individual client. Exercises can be performed lying prone (face down), supine (face-up) or side-lying. They can also be performed from a kneeling or standing position. This versatility is what makes the reformer a highly adaptable and functional piece of studio equipment.
Trapeze Table
The trapeze table, also called a Cadillac, is similar to a reformer. However, instead of a top that rolls back and forth, the trapeze features a frame that sits above the table, with attachments at various points. This versatile piece of equipment provides lots of support for beginners and people with injuries. It can also help clients to achieve the most challenging movements and Clinical Pilates exercises.
How does Clinical Pilates help to prevent injuries?
Clinical Pilates is great for injury prevention. The majority of us have muscular imbalances. We also spend most of our day in static postural positions, such as sitting at a desk or standing for long periods of time, leaving us prone to developing injuries.
Clinical Pilates assists in developing muscular control, especially in the deep stabilising muscles. The strengthening of these muscles and the resulting core strength help reduce compressive loads, providing support for our bones and joints. The resulting increase in functionality and efficiency of our bodies, significantly lowers the risk of developing injuries.
Unlike regular Pilates, Clinical Pilates considers a client’s specific needs for their body, injury, and condition.
Clinical Pilates is often used as a part of a rehabilitation program for individuals with injuries or chronic conditions such as low back pain, neck pain, or postural dysfunction. It can also be used as a preventative measure to reduce the risk of injury or improve overall fitness.
In a clinical Pilates session, a physiotherapist or other trained healthcare professional will assess the individual’s needs and develop a personalized program. The exercises may be performed one-on-one or in a small group setting, and the healthcare professional will provide guidance and feedback to ensure proper technique and form.
Interested in Clinical Pilates? Give our team a call to make your booking. You will start with an in-depth initial assessment and the development of your custom Clinical Pilates program. Our physiotherapists trained in Clinical Pilates will then guide and support you through your program in small focused 45min classes. There is a limit of 4 people per class to ensure individualised attention for each client. Need more information? Send us an email armidale@movebetterforlife.physio or use our contact form today.
Written by Deborah Hunter
Physiotherapist
Move Better for Life Armidale
At Move Better for Life, our focus is on keeping you fit and healthy. If you’re in pain, feeling unmotivated or looking to improve your overall wellbeing, we are here for you. Our team of physiotherapists, occupational therapists and exercise physiologists will help you achieve your physical health goals.
Depending on the current circumstances, we can assist you within the comfort of your own home or face-to-face.
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References
Hodges, P. W., & Richardson, C. A. (1996). Inefficient muscular stabilization of the lumbar spine associated with low back pain: a motor control evaluation of transversus abdominis. Spine, 21(22), 2640-2650.
Shum, G. L. K., Crosbie, J., & Lee, R. Y. W. (2005). Three-dimensional kinetics of the lumbar spine and hips in low back pain patients during sit-to-stand and stand-to-sit. Spine, 30(2), E19-E27.
Wand, B. M., Parkitny, L., O’Connell, N. E., Luomajoki, H., McAuley, J. H., Thacker, M., & Moseley, G. L. (2013). Cortical changes in chronic low back pain: current state of the art and implications for clinical practice. Manual therapy, 18(2), 91-97.
Kloubec, J. A. (2010). Pilates for improvement of muscle endurance, flexibility, balance, and posture. The Journal of Strength & Conditioning Research, 24(3), 661-667.
Lim, E. C. W., Poh, R. L. A., & Low, A. Y. (2011). Effects of Pilates-based exercises on pain and disability in individuals with persistent nonspecific low back pain: a systematic review with meta-analysis. Journal of Orthopaedic & Sports Physical Therapy, 41(2), 70-80.
Physiotherapy Board of Australia. (2015). Physiotherapy practice thresholds in Australia. Clinical Pilates. Retrieved from https://www.physiotherapyboard.gov.au/Codes-Guidelines/Physiotherapy-Practice-Thresholds/Clinical-Pilates.aspx
