What is Clinical Pilates? Clinical Pilates versus Pilates

Just what is clinical Pilates? How does it differ from traditional Pilates? In this guide we will introduce you to clinical Pilates and show the differences between clinical Pilates versus Pilates - and why you should choose the clinical route!

As with lots of types of exercise, there can be a huge variation in technique and understanding of the style of exercise. In Yoga, for example, you might hear the terms ashtanga, hatha, bikram, and Iyenga. These are all types of Yoga but all are different in their approach and techniques. The same is true for Pilates.

What is Clinical Pilates?

Clinical Pilates uses a set of safe, effective and specific exercises that have been adapted to build core strength and control to the whole body. We work to correct muscle imbalances and build strength in the stabilising muscles around the body. As a physiotherapist, I know the musculoskeletal system inside out. I have an in-depth knowledge of how the body moves and how injury and bad habits can alter your biomechanics. I also know how injury and pathology can make changes to the way your muscles and nervous system work; clinical Pilates is great for preventing and addressing such issues.

Clinical Pilates versus Pilates

Clinical Pilates takes the traditional form of Pilates and makes it safer for people with injuries and pain issues. Furthermore, prevention is better than the cure! Making sure your body is moving and functioning the way it is designed to is the absolute best way to prevent injury or problems from occurring in the first place.

I work with lots of athletes who use clinical Pilates to improve essential movement patterns for their sport/activity. They also use it to enhance fitness and performance as well as assisting in injury prevention. Clinical Pilates is an excellent way of building strength, stability and flexibility to support other exercise forms.

My Approach to Clinical Pilates

I like to take a whole body approach to my workouts and teach you how to move in a way that is safe and beneficial to protecting your joints and soft tissue. We work to build strength in the muscles that support your posture which allows you to hold yourself in such a way that wont put stress or strain on your body. Certain exercises might be adapted or avoided depending on your injury. I focus on the quality of the movement not quantity.

Clinical Pilates teaches you how to control a neutral spine position. When it comes to back pain I see lots of people with inhibition of the core stabilising muscles of the spine (due to the pain) and I also see how they have adapted/compensated for this. Clinical Pilates allows me to teach them how to correctly engage the core spinal muscles and correct any compensations they may have developed.

All of my workouts have been carefully designed to consider you as an individual and what your individual needs are. When you sign up to access your free trial you will be directed to a health questionnaire. The answers to this questionnaire will allow me to tailor workouts specific to that problem.

Clinical Pilates is for anyone! Any age and any ability. I would never be without clinical Pilates in my life and I encourage anyone I meet to try it. Who wouldn't want to look after their body? It is the only place you have to live!