What is the difference between Regular Pilates and Clinical Pilates?

Regular Pilates is conducted by a Pilates Instructor, whereas Clinical Pilates is prescribed and supervised by a Clinical Pilates trained Physiotherapist or Exercise Physiologist.

This difference is very important because a Physiotherapist or EP, unlike a Pilates Instructor, has an in-depth knowledge of injury, pathology, bodily function, healing and movement patterns. This knowledge allows a Physiotherapist to assess each patient and determine which exercises will be the most effective for each individual. This becomes especially important if you have any history of injury – whether it be lower back pain, whiplash, osteoporosis, or if you are an athlete coming back from an injury. There will be certain exercises which need to be adapted specifically for you so to avoid further harm; this is something that only a Physiotherapist or Exercise Physiologist is trained to do. Like any form of exercise, Pilates can be wonderful for fitness, however, still has the potential to cause injury or pain if not prescribed and monitored in the correct way.

Clinical Pilates involves using specifically designed equipment to help target and improve the strength and recruitment of the body’s core muscles. These muscles are our postural muscles – abdomen, pelvis and back – and they help control the middle of the body. The core muscles are more concerned with offering support and stability so that more fluid movement occurs in the body.

At Total Balance, we have two fully equipped Clinical Pilates studios to help you gain the most from your sessions.

Clinical Pilates offers a system of safe, effective and highly specific exercises appropriate for all ages. There are stages of exercises that you can progress through that will allow you to see the improvements in your strength, control and healing.