Pilates vs Clinical Pilates... Is There a Difference?
It’s common for people to not know the difference between regular Pilates classes and Clinical Pilates consultations. And it’s no wonder, the word ‘Pilates’ has become used by so many different businesses, each with varying degrees of quality.
To put it simply, clinical Pilates is a form of pilates that essentially takes a more personalised approach to treatment. Exercises specific to your individual needs are determined by a trained professional, and will adapt and change to suit your level and abilities.
Pilates can be beneficial for anyone with nagging pain, chronic pain, or when recovering from an injury. What you need to keep in mind is that general pilates may not always be the most appropriate activity for certain injuries and unique personal needs. Performing exercises that are not appropriate for your injuries or physical condition may put you at further risk of injury or aggravation of the existing trauma.
But what does all of this mean and how do you know which type of class is best for you? Let’s jump right in to the main differences between general pilates and clinical pilates.
Clinical Pilates
Physiotherapist instructor who is also Clinical Pilates trained.
Individual Program based on Physiotherapy Principles
Initial consultation to assess injury history, your body’s preferred movement pattern, and your goals
Physiotherapy treatment can be incorporated into the program
Specific changes can be made to your Clinical Pilates program if an injury flares up based on Physiotherapy knowledge
Ideal for rehabilitating after injury, surgery or pregnancy and reducing pain by correcting poor mechanics that underlie injury causes
Reformer and mat based equipment which allows for greater control and quality of movement
Great for increasing overall core strength, fitness and flexibility
Smaller and intimate classes tailored to each students individual needs
Fitness Pilates
Usually, the instructors are Personal Trainers who are also Pilates trained
No individual physical assessment
Great for increasing overall core strength, fitness and flexibility
Generally, everyone in the class does the same exercises
Limited tailoring of programs and not specific to your body’s preferred movement patterns
Large number of people in the class
Clinical Pilates is specific to you.
As Physiotherapist’s, we have an in-depth knowledge of injury, healing and
movement patterns. We ensure your Clinical Pilates exercises will be the most effective for you.
Our Clinical Pilates programs provide faster and long-term results. Your program is specific to you, with individual exercises for what your body needs.
Do you attend our mat or equipment Pilates classes? Have you found a difference in your body and overall health since participating in these classes? Or have you attended both a general pilates class and clinical pilates class? Have you noticed a difference between the two, and has your body responded differently to both these classes? We’d love to hear, let us know!
