Pilates and physiotherapy have long been recognised for their individual benefits in improving physical health and wellbeing. While each has its unique strengths and purposes, their combination can offer a comprehensive approach to healing and rehabilitation. 

As a qualified physiotherapist and yoga and Pilates teacher of several decades, I've seen how these two practices can work in harmony to help individuals achieve their health and fitness goals.

Let's discuss how we can pair physiotherapy and Pilates to improve your overall well being.

Understanding Pilates

Pilates, developed by Joseph Pilates in the early 20th century, is a low-impact exercise method that focuses on building strength, flexibility and overall body awareness. It's a system of controlled movements performed on specially designed equipment or mats, with an emphasis on core strength and proper alignment.

The role of physiotherapy

Physiotherapy, on the other hand, is a healthcare modality aimed at promoting physical recovery and maintaining optimal function. Physiotherapists diagnose and treat various musculoskeletal conditions, injuries and illnesses. They use a combination of manual therapy, exercises and other modalities to help patients regain mobility and reduce pain.

The synergy between Pilates and physiotherapy

When you combine Pilates with physiotherapy, you'll find they complement each other exceptionally well. 

Targeted rehabilitation

Physiotherapists often work with patients who require rehabilitation after surgery, injury or illness. Pilates exercises can be adapted to target specific areas of the body, making them a valuable tool for addressing patients' unique needs. 

Whether it's recovering from a knee replacement or healing a back injury, physiotherapy combined with Pilates can facilitate targeted rehabilitation.

Improved core strength

Pilates places a strong emphasis on strengthening the core muscles, which are crucial for maintaining good posture and supporting the spine. Physiotherapists often find that patients with back problems benefit significantly from improved core strength. By incorporating Pilates into their rehabilitation programs, patients can develop a strong core, which helps prevent future injuries.

Flexibility and mobility

Physiotherapy often involves exercises to improve flexibility and mobility, which are also core principles of Pilates. These two practices can work hand in hand to increase a patient's range of motion, making it easier to perform daily activities and reducing the risk of further injury.

Body awareness

Pilates places a strong emphasis on body awareness, encouraging individuals to focus on how they move and carry themselves. This self-awareness complements the guidance and education provided by physiotherapists. By understanding their bodies better, patients can make lasting improvements in their posture and movement patterns.

Pain management

Pilates exercises are low-impact, making them an excellent choice for individuals dealing with chronic pain. Under the guidance of a qualified physiotherapist, patients can use Pilates to manage and reduce pain associated with conditions like osteoarthritis or chronic back pain.

Injury prevention

Both Pilates and physiotherapy can play a pivotal role in injury prevention. Pilates helps individuals develop balanced muscle strength and flexibility, reducing the risk of strain or injury during physical activities. Physiotherapists can identify potential issues and provide guidance on injury prevention, further enhancing the benefits of Pilates.

A collaborative approach

The integration of Pilates into a physiotherapy treatment plan should be a collaborative effort. Here's how it typically works:

  • A physiotherapist will assess your condition and needs an individual 1:1 assessment. Depending on your needs, you may need up to three individual sessions before joining a class.
  • Based on the assessment, the physiotherapist will design a tailored treatment plan to meet your needs and goals.
  • Most people choose to join our small-group Pilates sessions of maximum three people, though some prefer to continue with individual sessions. The small size of our group classes means you get attention to be sure we follow your individual treatment plan, you perform exercises correctly and you are making progress towards your goals.

Progress is continuously monitored, and the treatment plan is adjusted as needed to achieve the best results.

The advantages of group classes

Group classes can be an effective way to incorporate Pilates into a physiotherapy treatment plan. Here are some advantages:

  • Group classes create a supportive community of individuals who may be dealing with similar health challenges. This sense of camaraderie can be motivating and inspiring. For individuals who have been isolated due to injury or illness, group classes offer the opportunity for social interaction, which can have positive effects on mental well-being.
  • Group classes are often more cost-effective than one-on-one sessions, making them accessible to a broader range of patients.

Whether you choose individual or group classes, you can expect:

  • A compassionate, pain-care and trauma-aware physiotherapist and Pilates teacher.
  • Exercises aligned to your functional goals and what you enjoy.
  • Gentle hands-on cues and corrections when helpful.
  • Modifications and progressions individualised for you.

The combination of Pilates and physiotherapy offers a holistic approach to healing and rehabilitation. By integrating these two practices, you can benefit from targeted rehabilitation, improved core strength, enhanced flexibility and mobility, increased body awareness, better pain management and reduced risk of future injuries. 

At Therapy Works, we find this collaborative approach not only promotes physical recovery but also empowers you to take charge of your own health and wellbeing.

Liz Bennett is a qualified Physiotherapist, Pilates instructor, and Yoga Therapist at TherapyWorks. With decades of clinical experience behind her, Liz can help you restore movement after injuries, illness or surgery, and support you in ongoing self management and prevention strategies.