Clinical Pilates
Change happens through movement, and movement heals
Pilates is a system of exercise that was originally developed by Joseph Pilates in the early 1920s. Having been a sickly child suffering from asthma, rickets and rheumatic fever. His father introduced him to gymnastics, and he later discovered body building and martial arts. He believed that the “modern lifestyle” of bad posture and inefficient breathing were the cause of poor health. It was during the 2nd World war that Joseph Pilates used his knowledge of fitness and his method of exercise then called Contrology to help rehabilitate those injured during the war whilst in an internment camp in the Isle of Man. Using springs attached to the hospital beds Joseph Pilates encouraged the patients to begin moving and strengthening their muscles at an early stage of their recovery. It is from here that the equipment we use today such as the Reformer and Cadillac were born and is why they are so well suited for rehabilitation today.
There are 3 recognised styles of Pilates taught today, Repertory, Modern and Clinical. Repertory style is based on the original teachings of Joseph Pilates and is widely used in the dance population. The Modern style is a modification of the original form which contains variations of the original exercises to allow it to be more accessible to the general population. Repertory and Modern Pilates tend to follow the original repertoire of exercises they were established by Joseph Pilates and are usually mat based and taught in larger groups.
The Clinical Pilates repertoire is research based and applies the original exercises and modifications of the original exercises to improve the control and efficiency of our deeper core muscles to stabilise the spine, shoulder and pelvic girdles. In a Clinical Pilates session we focus strongly on the quality and control of each movement to stimulate the nervous system as well as to strengthen and improve flexibility.
Pilates is a widely used and effective form of exercise for all ages, abilities and levels of fitness, almost everyone can benefit from regular Pilates. The Pilates method seeks to develop controlled movement to gain strength in the ‘core muscles’. The core muscles are a group of muscles which are fundamental in supporting and stabilizing the body, so if you tend to suffer from recurrent back or neck pain, taking part in regular Pilates can really help. Did you know that when you have back pain some muscles can become inhibited and stop working as effectively as they should? Some people are more dominant in certain muscles than others for example the back muscles can be working too hard and the abdominals not working hard enough. These problems can be gradually changed with Clinical Pilates. Pilates is a great way to recover from many injuries as it focuses on muscle control, moving efficiently and developing strength and flexibility throughout the body.
At The Tide End Clinic we specialise in clinical Pilates and offer one to one or small group sessions (maximum 4 per class) with a qualified osteopath or experienced Clinical Pilates instructor to ensure the exercises you are doing are both suitable and beneficial for your specific needs. There are no large classes here because we want to make sure we can give you the support you need, individually.
Our studio space provides a well equipped and inviting place to exercise safely whatever your level of fitness or specific goal. We use a combination of Pilates mat exercises, and functional rehab exercises alongside the large Pilates equipment such as the reformer, stability chair and tower to tailor each session to an individual client’s needs whether it be for a specific injury rehabilitation or to improve general fitness, posture and core strength. Our instructors have the in depth knowledge and experience to adapt and modify exercises to meet the needs of each individual client.
Clinical Pilates can help to:
- improve core strength
- increase flexibility
- reduce postural weaknesses
- improve muscle tone
- achieve balance and coordination
- reduce injuries
- improve general fitness
- address specific imbalances,
- injuries and concerns
- reduce back pain
