Clinical Pilates

Clinical Pilates focuses on posture, core stability, balance, strength, flexibility and breathing to treat a variety of muscular injuries. It is an adaptation of traditional Pilates in that the client is normally treated on an individual basis by a physiotherapist and given a target program specific to their injuries.

Clinical Pilates can help people with a variety of conditions including:

• lower back pain
• neck and shoulder pain
• hip, knee and ankle pain and injuries
• pre and post-natal conditions
• pre and post surgical conditions
• sports injuries
• poor posture
• osteoporosis

It can lead to improved posture, increased strength and greater flexibility. It can also help prevent injuries, provide better control over breathing, improve body toning and reduce stress.

Prior to commencing Clinical Pilates you will undergo an initial hour long consultation where the practitioner will assess the injury as well as the cause of the injury. Further sessions are likely to be 30 to 60 mins which will involve matt work and a range of equipment.

There is a nationally recognised level 3 qualification for mat based pilates, but there is no formal qualification for teaching pilates using equipment. This level 3 qualification is ratified by the Qualifications Curriculum Authority (QCA) and is overseen by the Register of Exercise Professionals (REPs - a UK regulatory body set up to ensure instructors meet industry standards). This qualification is voluntary and not all pilates teachers have the qualification or are registered with REPSs). Many teachers of Clinical Pilates are qualified Physiotherapists. Practitioners can join a professional association and they do require members to provide proof of qualifications, as well as adhering to a Code of Ethics and Conduct. Professional bodies that Clinical Pilates practitioners may be members of include:

• Pilates Foundation
• Body Control Pilates
• Health and Care Professions Council
• Association of Chartered Physiotherapists in Sports Medicine
• Chartered Society of Physiotherapy
• Organisation of Chartered Physiotherapists in Private Practice

It is important you feel safe with the Pilates instructor and therefore we would advise you choose one that is qualified and a member of a professional association. All counsellors on the site have indicated they are registered with one, however it advised you also make the necessary checks.