Do you know the difference between Pilates and Clinical Pilates (also known as Physio Pilates)?

You’re not alone if you don’t know the difference between the two.

What’s the history of Pilates?

It’s a fitness method developed by the German physical trainer Joseph Pilates during the First World War. He used it to help in the rehabilitation of injured soldiers. Joseph Pilates believed in early active intervention, and the exercises he created could be performed in a hospital bed.
Joe identified the importance of connecting the mind with the body. His idea was that “mindful movement” led to ongoing health and wellbeing. Concepts incorporated in his workouts included correct alignment, centering, concentration, control, precision, breathing and flowing movement. He called his exercise method ‘Contrology’, and released many publications outlining its benefits.

After he moved to New York in the 1920’s, Joe found his studio space close to several dance studios. His clients soon included many dancers. Before long the concepts of Pilates became popular among the wider dance community and among New York’s socialites. Joe continued to train clients until his death in 1967 at the age of 87. His students continued his work and by the 1980s the Pilates method had entered the fitness mainstream.

What is Clinical, or Physio, Pilates?

Clinical (Physio) Pilates takes Joe’s methods to the next level. It has evolved from traditional Pilates, with the input of physiotherapists and evidence-based research. If you need help with injury management, injury prevention or performance enhancement, the individual nature of Clinical Pilates ia for you.
In a Clinical (Physio) Pilates program, you do specific exercises based on clinical findings and a Physio assessment, with exercises adapted to suit your own goals and ability. Studies have shown that Clinical Pilates can assist in pain management, falls prevention, improving bone strength, increasing coordination and breathing control. This is in addition to the well-recognised benefits of improved flexibility, strength and core activation.

In equipment-based programs, like those we offer at Gold Coast Physio & Sports Health, your Physio will use equipment (reformer, trap table, wunda chair, sliders, balls, bands and more!) to challenge or facilitate your neuro-muscular (nerve, brain and muscle) system by adding resistance as well as increasing sensory feedback.
Our Clinical (Physio) Pilates program at Gold Coast Physio & Sports Health is suitable for anybody who wants to become pain-free, get moving or keep moving under the guidance of an experienced physiotherapist.

Please call us at the clinic or email us at pilates@mygcphysio.com.au to find out how this program may be able to benefit you, and how we can tailor a plan to suit your needs. If you have extra’s cover that includes Physio, Private health rebates are available.

Has your Health Fund told you Heal Rebates will no longer be available for Pilates?

Read more here, but rest assured that you will still be able to use your Private Health Rebates for our Physio’s taking you for Pilates exercise Therapy in clinic.
With this change to Private Health Insurance to Pilates, watch for a change in name of Clinical or Physio Pilates as we will no longer be able to advertise that Our Physio’s do “pilates” per se. We will still have the Fitness Pilates classes in clinic run by the ever keen Pilates Instructor & Massage Therapist, Katie Harders.

And we will keep you posted on any name changes, but for now, let us help you achieve your Health, Well-Being, Sporting and Pilates Goals.