Lady rolling up exercise mat

Pilates instructor demonstrating clinical exerciseWhat are physiotherapist-run exercise sessions?

Physiotherapist-run exercise sessions are a specialised form of exercise devised by physiotherapists using spring-loaded pilates equipment to improve body control, strength and balance.

These sessions focus on strengthening the patients “core stability” muscles, such as the deep abdominal and pelvic floor muscles, that act as the support system for our spine and pelvis. Increases in core strength can help reduce low back and neck pain and improve body posture, movement and function.

Why choose physiotherapist-run exercise sessions?

Physiotherapist-run programs are individually designed after a full musculoskeletal assessment has taken place with the physiotherapist. Other types of Pilates classes are often generic and do not result in specific goals being met. Physiotherapist-run exercise programs aim to improve patients posture, core stability, strength, flexibility, balance and breathing with a specific focus on motor control issues that may be contributing to pain or reduced function.

Physiotherapists are highly trained in the assessment and treatment of musculoskeletal conditions and are able to develop Pilates exercise programs that best address the patients specific needs. The exercises are chosen by our physiotherapists to incorporate findings of the most recent research to enable the best possible outcome for the patient.

Research by physiotherapists has shown that injury and pain can affect the activation and timing of certain muscle groups and that without specific re-training muscles may not return to normal function. Physiotherapists are best trained to educate people on the correct timing of muscles so that they can reduce pain and improve function. All of our Physiotherapists are experienced in the use of real-time ultrasound which is used in their initial assessment and treatment to ensure optimal activation of core muscles.

Poor posture is also linked to pain and muscle imbalances and is addressed in our physiotherapy assessment and classes. Our physiotherapists are skilled in identifying postural problems and are aware of both muscle and skeletal contributing factors that may need to be addressed. We can select the most beneficial exercises to improve posture and advise patients on helpful strategies at work and at home.

Are physiotherapist-run exercise sessions suitable for me?

Physiotherapist-run programs are a valuable facet of patient management for most conditions in the sub-acute and chronic stages while being useful in some cases for providing pain relief and early motor control training in the acute phase too.

Following a 1-hour Initial Assessment (Compulsory, health-fund rebatable), our physiotherapists develop a fully-individualised exercise program targeting the identified issues. Following one-on-one sessions, clients then attend regular semi-private Pilates classes under physiotherapist supervision and are monitored, assessed and progressed with short-term and long-term goal setting.

Clinical Pilates is suitable for most musculoskeletal conditions, pregnancy and post-partum, pre- and post-op, general health and fitness, neurological, ageing and balance conditions and ages 13 and upward.

Spinal back pain skeleton graphicBenefits of Physiotherapist-run exercise sessions

  • Improved deep abdominal and pelvic floor muscle tone
  • Help to prevent and reduce low back and neck pain
  • Overall body toning
  • Improved posture and core stability
  • Firmer and flatter stomach muscles
  • Improved flexibility and balance
  • Exercise can help to reduce stress
  • Improves sporting performance
  • Safe form of exercise during and after pregnancy
  • Improves bone density (reduces the risk of osteoporosis)