a lady doing a side lunge on a pilates box

What is Clinical Pilates?

Clinical Pilates is a form of Pilates that is specifically designed for rehabilitation and injury prevention. The exercises are tailored to suit an individual's needs, addressing issues such as back pain, postural imbalances, and movement dysfunctions.

Unlike traditional Pilates, which focuses on general fitness and core strength, Clinical Pilates incorporates a more personalized, therapeutic approach. It is commonly used to help with conditions such as:

It involves controlled movements, core stabilization, breathing techniques, and alignment corrections to improve strength, flexibility, and movement efficiency. Sessions are often one-on-one or in small groups to ensure proper form and effectiveness.

Clinical Pilates might be right for you if you:

What is Somatic Movement

Somatic movement is a powerful practice that focuses on internal body awareness, releasing tension, and improving movement efficiency. As a Pilates teacher, I see it as an essential tool for helping clients reconnect with their bodies, move more freely, and break habitual movement patterns that may be causing pain or restriction.

What Makes Somatic Movement Unique?

Unlike traditional fitness, which often emphasizes strength and endurance, somatic movement encourages slow, mindful movements that retrain the nervous system. It’s about how movement feels from the inside out, rather than just external performance.

How It Benefits My Clients:

Somatic Movement in Pilates

I often integrate somatic principles into my Pilates sessions to help clients move with greater ease, fluidity, and control. Whether it’s through breathwork, micro-movements, or guided self-exploration, somatic techniques help unlock tension, reset muscle patterns, and enhance overall movement quality.

Somatic-Based Practices I Use in My Teaching:

By incorporating somatic movement into Pilates, my clients not only build strength and stability but also develop a deeper connection with their bodies, allowing them to move with more freedom, comfort, and confidence.

Chronic pain (e.g., lower back pain, neck pain)
Post-surgical rehabilitation (e.g., after knee or hip surgery)
Postural issues
Sports injuries
Pelvic floor dysfunction

Have an injury or chronic pain – It can help with conditions like lower back pain, neck pain, or joint issues by improving movement patterns and reducing strain
Need post-surgical rehab – If you've had surgery (e.g., knee, hip, or spinal surgery), Clinical Pilates can aid in recovery by gradually rebuilding strength and mobility
Struggle with posture or balance issues – It focuses on body alignment, core control, and stability, making it beneficial for improving posture and reducing strain from daily activities
Experience sports-related injuries – Athletes often use Clinical Pilates to recover from injuries and prevent future ones by addressing muscle imbalances and improving movement efficiency
Have pelvic floor dysfunction – It is commonly used to strengthen the pelvic floor, especially for postnatal recovery or conditions like incontinence
Prefer a personalized approach – Unlike general Pilates classes, Clinical Pilates is tailored to your specific needs, usually with a physiotherapist or trained instructor

Relieves chronic tension and pain – especially in the back, neck, and joints
Improves mobility and flexibility – by addressing deep-seated movement restrictions
Enhances posture and movement patterns – leading to more efficient, pain-free movement
Reduces stress and promotes relaxation – by calming the nervous system
Builds body awareness – which translates into better Pilates practice and everyday movement

Franklin Method - A highly effective, evidence-based approach to movement education focusing on the body and its function.
Feldenkrais Method – Helping clients refine movement patterns and improve coordination.
Somatic Yoga – Blending yoga with mindful movement for deeper relaxation and flexibility.

Contact Me to find out More

​Movement & Medicine