Clinical Pilates
The History Of Clinical Pilates
The concept of Clinical Pilates was pioneered by Joseph Pilates, who used some of his exercise methods to rehabilitate bed-bound veterans during World War 1 in the 1910s-1920s. Joseph was a physically fit man who participated in everything, ranging from bodybuilding, gymnastics and even martial arts.
However, this was not always the case. As a child, Joseph suffered from various conditions, including asthma, rickets and rheumatic. Despite having a sickly childhood, Joseph was adamant about using exercise to heal himself.
In 1925, Joseph Pilates moved to the United States of America. He opened up a Pilates studio in New York City, where he helped rehabilitate and train dancers using his techniques. Since then, Clinical Pilates has become a mainstream form of conditioning, rehabilitation and training for people who have just had surgery to professional athletes.
What is Clinical Pilates?
‘So, what is Pilates?’ This is a common question asked by our clients.
Clinical Pilates is a form of exercise that helps improve core stability, restore movement, strengthen your muscles, increase flexibility and overall health. It is particularly effective for those looking to rehabilitate from injuries, painful conditions and before & after surgery. Additionally, it can also be performed for general wellbeing and maintenance.
At Hawthorn Physiotherapy Clinic, all of our one on one & small group exercise is supervised by physiotherapists. These sessions have a strong emphasis on Pilates and use equipment such as a Pilates reformer and Trapeze Table. We will prescribe a series of movements and exercises that have been selectively chosen around your aches, pains and restrictions.
A significant part of Clinical Pilates is focussing on core stability. Core stability is the ability to use your trunk efficiency to help with everyday movements, such as walking, lifting and sports. When you attend Pilates, breathing techniques and keeping the abdominal muscles stiff are encouraged to engage the core. Our physiotherapists may also recommend other cues, such as changing your postural or re-positioning your body.
What is the Difference Between Pilates and Clinical Pilates?
While there are many overlapping features between Pilates and Clinical Pilates, there are also several differences. Generally, an initial assessment is performed to ensure that the exercises are safe and effective. For example, someone with a disc herniation will most likely benefit from extension bias exercises, like scooters or cobras. A proper assessment from a trained healthcare practitioner, such as a physiotherapist, reduces the risk of aggravating old injuries and choosing exercises that are directly beneficial to your condition.
Additionally, there are also other unique characteristics of 1:1 and group exercise at Hawthorn Physio, including:
- A customised approach for each individual (no cookie-cutter approaches)
- A maximum of 4 people in all exercise classes
- Exercises are specifically selected based on your goals, injuries, needs and your fitness levels
- Qualified physiotherapists always supervise sessions
What’s the Difference Between Reformer and Mat Pilates?
Both Reformer and Mat Pilates are exercises that are performed during Clinical Pilates. In short, reformer Pilates involves performing movements on Pilates machines. Mat Pilates incorporates a series of bodyweight exercises similar to reformer Pilates. Both have their benefits. While Reformer Pilates offers a variety of resistances, positions and movements, it may be hard to practice at home. On the other hand, mat Pilates exercises can be performed anytime and anywhere. Regardless, both types of Pilates movements are incorporated in Clinical Pilates depending on your needs.


Is Clinical Pilates Covered by Health Insurance? The long and short of it.
The simple answer is, Yes, it can be. In 2019, there was a government reform to private health insurance that removed certain natural therapies from extras policies, including Pilates. The Department of Health announced however that “an insurer may lawfully pay benefits if a Physiotherapist, providing services to a patient within the accepted scope of clinical practice, uses exercises or techniques drawn from Pilates as part of that patient’s treatment as long as the exercises or techniques are within the accepted scope of clinical practice.” Seeing as all of our exercise prescription is carried out by qualified Physiotherapists and within the scope of clinical practice, you are able to claim the sessions we run on your private health insurance extras. These sessions, whilst they have a strong emphasis on Clinical Pilates, can also include other gym equipment and exercises based on your personal needs.
If you’re interested in booking in for some small group or individual exercise, you can email us on reception@hawthornphysio.com.au or give us a call on (03) 9819 2827. Our friendly physios will be able to assist you with a supervised program to suit your needs.
On-Site Pilates and Rehabilitation Gym
Depending on your needs, our physiotherapists will be able provide services through our on-site gym. To assist with your recovery and rehabilitation, our gym is fully equipped with all the necessary equipment. Pilates reformers, bikes, treadmills, free-weights, resistance bands, specialised rehabilitation equipment and more are available under the supervision of our physiotherapists. On top of providing one-on-one treatments, we also provide group services, including Pilates and GLA:D program classes. To discuss your needs, give our friendly team a call on (03) 9819 2827 or