What is Clinical Pilates?

Everything you need to know about therapeutic pilates and the conditions it can help with

Pilates method

Pilates method is a form of exercise that trains the body in a safe and fun way. Helps improve balance, strength, flexibility with combinations of movements that improve body awareness and breathing.

 

Therapeutic Pilates: Clinical Pilates

Clinical Pilates is the evolution of the pilates method, it is a therapeutic pilates method which, taking into account the particularities of patients with musculoskeletal or other (neurological, gynecological) problems, adjusts training programs based on needs and any limitations.

A comprehensive Clinical Pilates exercise program requires, in addition to practitioner’s history, an assessment of the musculoskeletal system and physical condition, so that the program targets where there is a greater need to improve strength, flexibility, balance or endurance.

The Pilates program includes floor exercises and exercises on specialized pilates equipment:

The equipment we use in Clinical Pilates

Pilates equipment was created by Joseph Pilates himself, creator and founder of the method, and consists of the following 5 basic machines: Reformer, Tower, Cadillac, Wunda Chair and Ladder-Barrel.

Mat or otherwise “ground exercises” was not a separate part of the method but was integrated harmoniously into the whole approach, creating a complete course during which the passage of all the machines was and should be taken for granted.

1. Mat – Micro equipment

Mat is an exercise mat that is placed on the floor. In it, body weight exercises are performed.

The range of floor exercises is large and to this can be added Pilates micro-equipment (Props), such as:

  • the ring (magic circle),
  • weights,
  • mini balls,
  • swiss ball,
  • foam rollers etc.,

making the program even more interesting and rich.

Mat Pilates exercises can be used as a warm-up at the beginning of the class, introducing the student to the basics of the method and preparing them to move on to the rest of the equipment.

2. Reformer

Perhaps the most famous Pilates machine. Otherwise known as a pilates “bed” since its construction resembles a home bed.

It consists of a rectangular frame, wooden or metal, a movable platform with wheels and a system of springs that joins the bottom of the platform to the bottom of the frame thus providing the required resistance to the practitioner.

The machine is completed by a bar, fixed or mobile, omostats or shoulder pads and a belt system with straps.

The practitioner can use the machine in a variety of ways, placing their ends on the parts, pulling, pushing, whether lying down, sitting or standing, from different levels and angles.

The variety of exercises is truly endless with the potential to cover all levels, from a complete beginner exerciser or someone with severe musculoskeletal and mobility issues to extremely advanced exercisers with many years of experience in the method or professional athletes.

3. Tower

The Pilates tower is actually a metal “Π” on which springs of different hardness are attached, thus providing the appropriate resistance according to the level of the practitioner and the goal of the exercise.

4. Reformer Tower

At our site you will find a combination of the above 2 machines.

The tower is attached to the top of the bed frame thus multiplying the repertoire of exercises, maximizing the benefits while at the same time creating the possibility for the practitioner to have a more complete experience and deepen the method.

pilates reformer

pilates reformer

το pilates reformer + tower στο χώρο μας

pilates reformer + tower

5. Cadillac

The most complete machine of the method and perhaps the most important in terms of equipment. A large metal structure that looks like a couplet from which hangs a swing, the “Trapeze”, adjusted to a high bed.

The height of the bed makes it easier for those who cannot sit and get up from low due to musculoskeletal or mobility problems, surgeries or any other limitation. The metal construction allows the springs to be adjusted from different positions and angles thus providing either absolute support or maximum difficulty.

Acrobatic exercises and inverted positions for the more experienced and daring, but also the appropriate framework of support and protection for beginners to progress quickly and safely.

6. Cadillac Reformer Combo

In our space you will find a combination of the Cadillac and the Reformer, i.e. instead of a simple flat bed surface underneath there is also the possibility to turn it into a mobile platform, just like the pilates bed.

So we have a more functional machine with endless possibilities, capable in itself of providing a complete experience of the Pilates method from the beginning to the end of a class.

pilates cadillac + reformer στο χώρο μας

pilates cadillac + reformer at Manual Physiotherapy pilates studio

7. Wunda Chair

The chair is a small but, as its name suggests, miraculous machine.

The pilates chair looks like a simple everyday chair with the difference that underneath it has pedals that are connected by springs to the rest of the structure thus providing the required resistance during the exercises.

The pedal can be one or in a more functional version it can be divided into two, split pedal as you will find in our site. Two handles on the right and left of the seat give even more variety, flexibility and functionality to the exercise book.

Benefits of Clinical Pilates

  • Improving body awareness

  • Improving muscle strength and flexibility

  • Injury prevention

  • Improvement of respiratory function

  • Improve balance

  • Treatment of cases related to anxiety, depression, chronic fatigue, irritable bowel, insomnia, fibromyalgia.

Indicative conditions that Clinical Pilates helps

  • Osteoporosis
  • Multiple Sclerosis
  • Meniscus, patella problems
  • Anterior cruciate ligament (ACL), posterior cruciate ligament (PCL) tear
  • Syndrome abdominal adduction
  • Tendonitis
  • Sprains
  • Athletic injuries
  • Sciatica
  • Lumbago
  • Cervical syndrome
  • Opioid Syndrome
  • Problems in the sacroiliac joint (SIJ)
  • Shoulder rotator cuff syndrome
  • Frozen shoulder
  • Rheumatoid arthritis
  • Fibromyalgia

Clinical Pilates at ManualPhysiotherapy physical therapy clinic

At Manual Physiotherapy you can choose either individual clinical pilates programs or programs in small groups, up to 4 people.

The trainees are under continuous monitoring and evaluation for any difficulties related to pre-existing musculoskeletal problems, which is ensured by the presence of a multidisciplinary team at our place consisting of specialized musculoskeletal physiotherapists (Orthopedic Musculosceletal Physiotherapists) and specialized Clinical Pilates instructors.

Manual Physiotherapy is a Physiotherapy Clinic, founded in 1999 and staffed by a team of specialized scientists of various specialties and equipped with modern physical therapy and therapeutic exercise infrastructures, so that it can effectively cover the full range of rehabilitation services for musculoskeletal diseases. We also provide advice and design personalized programs of recovery and maintenance of physical condition after the end of the treatments, according to the individual needs and goals of each person.

Our clinics (Manual Physiotherapy ZografouGlyfada) are designed to cover specialized physiotherapy services (manual therapy, treatment with electrophysical means, biomedical acupuncture), therapeutic exercise services aimed at the quick and timely start of normal daily activities, therapeutic exercise programs pilates (clinical pilates).

Our clinic in Glyfada has 2 gyms with different philosophies of therapeutic exercise. One is a Pilates studio with modern equipment for exercise programs from beginners to professionals. The second gym is oriented towards functional exercise with resistances and weights, covering the entire spectrum of functional rehabilitation after accidents, operations, back pain, neck problems, etc.