We understand that it can be a little intimidating to trial a new type of exercise, so we've outlined the history and benefits of Pilates below, along with some of the frequently asked questions regarding our Pilates classes.
Please don't hesitate to contact us if you have any further questions regarding our Pilates classes or how they might benefit you.
For those of you who have attended our Pilates classes prior to 1st April 2019, the only change is in the name and the item number on your receipt (previously 505, now 560).
Our physiotherapy exercise sessions have the following advantages:
- There is a maximum of 4 people in each session.
- Each session is fully supervised by a physiotherapist.
- Everyone is doing their own individual program based on their assessment.
- Progressions (or regressions) are made to each session depending on the needs of your body on the day. Injury flare ups are considered as needed. Your physiotherapist will assess what exercises are best for you.
- You undertake a full musculoskeletal assessment before you learn your individual program and start sessions.
- A reassessment and new program is offered every ten sessions.
- We keep clinical notes detailing your symptoms, needs and progress.
- They are a mixture of clinically appropriate exercises, which may include exercises delivered on Pilates equipment or exercises drawn from Pilates that target their particular needs. Our physiotherapists deliver these exercises within an evidenced-based, therapeutic and preventative framework. Our sessions include other types of exercises, balance work, physiotherapy advice and hands-on treatment (if needed) to facilitate your movements.
• Improved flexibility
• Increased muscle strength and tone, particularly of the abdominals, back, scapula and buttocks
• Balanced muscular strength on both sides of the body
• Enhanced muscular control of the back and limbs
• Improved stabilisation of the spine
• Greater awareness of posture
• Improved physical coordination and balance
• Improved overall joint lubrication and muscle fitness
• Safe rehabilitation of joint and spinal injuries
• Prevention of musculoskeletal injuries
Please contact us if you’d like to know how Pilates may be able to help you.
We incorporate Pilates-inspired exercises and other exercises on Pilates equipment because we believe that this is the best way to achieve results. A number of pieces of Pilates equipment feature adjustable springs which allow us to increase or decrease the level of challenge and assist or resist movements as required. The curved shape of the spine corrector and ladder barrel is great for supporting exercise and stretches of the spinal curves. Incorporating Pilates equipment and exercises enables us, as physiotherapists, to deliver exercise programs that are restorative (for those with injuries and surgeries) and preventative (for those who want more from their bodies and their future wellbeing).
Pilates is a series of exercises where controlled movement is performed from a stable core. It can be very gentle or physically demanding (or somewhere in the middle). It is suitable for all ages and stages of rehabilitation and fitness.
In the early 1900s Joseph Pilates developed a system of exercises (which he referred to as ‘Contrology’) for circus performers and dancers. It differed from other Western exercise in that it emphasised:
• mental concentration in the way the movements were performed
• control of all aspects of each movement
• the centre or core of the body as being the stable foundation of all movement
• the precision, efficiency and flow of movement
• the importance of breathing during exercise.
In the 1990s, Paul Hodges and the physiotherapy team at University of Queensland found that the deepest abdominal muscles were of primary importance in protecting the spine during movement. Further research found that the core stability produced by these deep trunk muscles was greatly decreased after back injury and that these muscles did not recover on their own without specific exercises.
Since then, Pilates has been embraced by the physiotherapy profession and recognised as a valuable complementary therapy and great aid to treatment, general fitness and wellbeing.
Appointments can be made by phoning us on 3857 5815 or through our online booking system.
Each of our physiotherapy exercise sessions runs for 60 minutes.
Wear comfortable shorts or tights with a singlet or t-shirt and socks. You won’t require shoes for any part of your exercise program. Grip socks are available for purchase, or regular socks are satisfactory for most exercises.
Most private health funds will offer a rebate for our physiotherapy exercise sessions, including the initial musculoskeletal assessment and private follow-up session, under ‘Physiotherapy’ extras cover. Our physiotherapy exercise sessions are a mixture of clinically appropriate exercises, which may include exercises delivered on Pilates equipment or exercises drawn from Pilates that target your particular needs. Our physiotherapists deliver these exercises within an evidenced-based and therapeutic framework. Private health funds no longer cover Pilates only classes.
Please feel free to contact us for more information, or contact your health fund directly.