Clinical Pilates

Clinical pilates combines the principles of traditional pilates with a scientific research based approach to exercise and injury rehabilitation. It integrates the principles of rehabilitation, core stabilization, and movement retraining with the Pilates principles of control, balance, focus, and breath.

Clinical Pilates is now offered as a Physiotherapy service and claimed under certain extended benefit plans at Shelbourne Physiotherapy and Pilates. We are very excited about the benefits our clients are experiencing!

What is Clinical Pilates?

Small equipment, body weight and large apparatuses are used to assist and support movement allowing engagement and activation to specific muscles. The use of supportive equipment allows for the isolation of specific muscle groups without strain or pressure on joints.

These Pilates sessions are taught by our highly experienced and certified STOTT Pilates Instructors and/or Kinesiologists, and Occupational Therapists working as Physiotherapy Assistants under the guidance and supervision of a Registered Physiotherapist. Physiotherapy Assistants are members of the Canadian Physiotherapy Association and are fully insured as Physiotherapy Assistants.

This unique service uses the Pilates-Method as a highly effective rehabilitation exercise tool tailored to specific needs and goals for rehabilitation. Your Clinical Pilates Instructor will work as a team with your Physiotherapist to carry out individualized goals for your program.

Clinical Pilates aids:

recovery from injury or surgery
management of chronic illness or pain
maintenance of strength and fitness without impacting joints
improvement of sport performance in recreational and elite athletes
recovery from ICBC accidents

Treatable Conditions:

general conditioning
low back pain
neck pain and headaches
scoliosis
shoulder injuries, instability and pain
patellofemoral pain
osteoarthritis pain in the knees, hips, feet and spine
post-surgical recovery/strengthening
numbness and impingement
pre/post natal conditions
pelvic floor retraining and incontinence
post operative recovery
hypermobility issues
stiffness and flexibility concerns
medical rehabilitation – MS, Parkinson’s, fibromyalgia, arthritis, osteoporosis, post mastectomy
vertigo/balance disorders
ICBC accident recovery

Goals of Clinical Pilates

1. Balance out muscles around joints to create stability, increase strength and decrease pain.
2. Increase your body awareness and understanding of efficient movement.
3. Re-train functional movements in a safe and supportive manner.

Benefits of Treatment

Core strength
Spinal stability
Postural and body awareness
Resolving muscle imbalances
Reduction of pain and muscle tension
Injury prevention
Improve balance and coordination

Criteria for Treatment and How to Get Started

A referral is required from your physician requesting “Physiotherapy Core Rehabilitation”. This must include a medical diagnosis: Scoliosis, Osteoporosis, MS, neck/back pain, pelvis misalignment, Pre/Post-Natal conditions, pre/post-surgical conditions, etc.

You will have an initial assessment and treatment by our Registered Physiotherapist Penny Salmas, who will then make a referral to the Clinical Pilates Instructor. This referral will explain the results of your visit, determine the number and frequency of sessions needed, and clarify any specific goals, limitations or contraindications.

At the conclusion of your Clinical Pilates sessions, your Physiotherapist will reassess and determine the next step in your rehabilitation program. You may be ready to go back to work, resume sport, go back to the gym etc. Depending on diagnosis, your Physiotherapist may refer you back for further Clinical Pilates work or transition you into a small group class.

You are welcome to continue your Pilates exercise after your Physiotherapist discharges you as a fitness client. Many of our clients continue with Pilates exercise as a lifestyle choice or as cross-training with other forms of exercise to maintain and challenge the progress they have already achieved.

Fee: Clinical Pilates sessions are billed at the Private Pilates Training rate of $95 /hour and are covered under certain extended health care plans or ICBC claims. No tax is applicable for Physiotherapy service

*Shelbourne Physiotherapy offers clinical Pilates taught by Pilates instructors who are physiotherapy assistants (PTA’s), as practicing members of the Canadian Physiotherapy Association. The PTA’s are directed by the treating physiotherapist, in the care of the Pilates client with all goals, precautions, and contraindications outlined before the initial Pilates session begins. This function is within the scope of practice of physiotherapy as governed by the College of Physiotherapists of British Columbia.

The receipt provided for this treatment indicates the treatment provided was a physiotherapy session, and also includes the PTA’s name since they provided the full session to the client and the client can submit privately to their insurance.