Written by Phoebe Cunningham - UPG Physiotherapist & Pilates Instructor
Clinical Pilates is a modification of pilates-based exercises that are used therapeutically by physiotherapists. At UPG we use practice Clinical Pilates within our Physfit service which is one of the treatment options where the physio focuses on rehabilitation and injury prevention through exercises. Our Physfit consultations and group classes are run by physiotherapists who have been trained in clinical pilates and will plan your goals together based on your physical needs and expectations.
Everyone’s life is unique and so is their Physfit program, therefore your first session will be an initial assessment one-on-one where your physio will gain an understanding of what you may need to work on, to reach your goals. This session will guide the physiotherapist in the creation of your individualised program and you will also be provided with a home exercise plan to complement the program practised in the studio.
Once your Physfit program has been created you will have a 1:1 sessions with a physiotherapist to guide you through your series of exercises. We will be able to modify and check your progress with each exercise where appropriate, to ensure you are gaining the most out of your exercises. Once you are feeling more comfortable with your program, you will have the option of joining the group class that has up to 5 people or continuing with your 1:1 sessions.
Physfit Initial Consult
One-on-one session run by a physiotherapist who has been trained in Clinical Pilates.
How is Clinical Pilates different from fitness-based Pilates?
Clinical Pilates or Physfit is quite different from a fitness-based exercise class. Clinical Pilates is used by physiotherapists as a treatment tool, this means that in each class you will be working on specific exercises that have been selected to help with your rehabilitation or injury prevention goals.
Another difference is that during our Physfit session, you will be closely monitored by a physio to ensure that each exercise is completed with the correct technique. This gives you the opportunity to do the movements properly, to reduce the likelihood of injuring yourself whilst completing any exercises, and can help with reducing your levels of pain.
In our Physfit group class, unlike a fitness-based pilates class, the physio is able to modify any exercise to ensure that it is at the correct level for you. Additionally, because it is a Clinical Pilates session, the class group is small with no more than 5 people which allows each participant to receive adequate feedback and supervision whilst completing the exercises.
Lastly, at our studio, we have a range of different equipment that we can utilise within our Physfit sessions. We are able to offer a large repertoire of exercises with the ability to progress/regress where necessary. Some pieces of equipment that are available for use at UPG studio are 6 x reformers, along with many accessories for the reformers, a cable machine, a variety of dumbbells, bars and heavier weights. If you’d like to have a physiotherapist guide you through the use of these different bits of equipment we are able to help you.
Closely monitored by your UPG Physio
To ensure that each exercise is completed with the correct technique.
Why you should do Physfit?
If you are questioning whether clinical pilates is the right type of exercise for you? my direct answer would be that clinical pilates can be suitable and beneficial for any type of person, especially if you have any of the following conditions:
Musculoskeletal injuries
Prevention of injuries
Back and neck pain
Headaches
Hip and knee injuries
Chronic pain
Pre and post-natal
Pre and post-surgery
Posture retraining
Core strengthening
What are the benefits of Clinical Pilates/Physit?
Clinical pilates has been validated by numerous research papers and has been demonstrated to provide incredible benefits. Some included are:
Improve strength, balance, coordination, flexibility/mobility, posture, movement patterns and stability.
Facilitate rehabilitation by allowing muscles to stretch and relax to promote healing.
Injury prevention - able to strengthen and stabilise muscles to prevent displacement.
Improves core strength and pelvic floor function
Strength training to improve bone density and muscle tone.
Improve mental health
Increase body awareness - requires focus and control