Clinical Pilates

Clinical Pilates at Spine Plus

Clinical Pilates is a therapeutic form of Pilates exercise designed and supervised by qualified clinical professionals. Unlike general fitness Pilates classes, Clinical Pilates is tailored to the specific needs of each patient, based on clinical assessment of their movement patterns, postural weaknesses and injury history.

At Spine Plus, Clinical Pilates is delivered by practitioners qualified in both clinical Pilates instruction and musculoskeletal assessment, including APPI (Australian Physiotherapy and Pilates Institute) trained clinicians. Robert Shanks, our clinic director, holds a postgraduate qualification in Clinical Pilates.

How Clinical Pilates Differs from General Pilates

Clinical Pilates begins with a detailed physiotherapy or osteopathy assessment to identify the specific movement dysfunctions, muscle weaknesses and postural patterns contributing to your symptoms. Exercises are then individually selected and progressed based on your clinical findings, not a generalised class programme.

This makes Clinical Pilates particularly effective for:

• Patients recovering from injury or surgery
• Those with chronic pain or postural problems
• People who have found general Pilates aggravates their symptoms
• Athletes requiring specific movement re-patterning

Conditions Treated

• Lower back pain and disc conditions
• Neck pain and cervical postural problems
• Scoliosis and spinal asymmetry
• Pelvic girdle pain and pelvic floor dysfunction
• Hip pain and hip replacement rehabilitation
• Knee pain and post-surgical rehabilitation
• Shoulder instability and rotator cuff rehabilitation
• Post-operative rehabilitation
• Pregnancy and post-natal rehabilitation
• Osteoporosis management and fall prevention

What to Expect

Your first Clinical Pilates session at Spine Plus begins with a detailed assessment of your movement, strength, flexibility and any relevant symptoms. From this, your practitioner designs a personal programme that addresses your specific needs and clinical goals. Sessions may be one-to-one or in small supervised groups, depending on your preference and progress.

Exercises are progressed systematically as your strength, control and confidence improve. Your programme will be updated regularly to ensure it continues to challenge and benefit you.

Benefits of Clinical Pilates

• Improved core stability and spinal support
• Better posture and body awareness
• Reduced back and neck pain
• Enhanced flexibility and joint mobility
• Faster recovery from injury or surgery
• Prevention of future injury
• Improved athletic performance
• Increased confidence in movement