Pilates and movement

Clinical Pilates is the part that usually comes after treatment. Once the pain has settled, the question becomes how you keep it settled, and that means moving well and getting stronger in a way that fits around a job and a family. Our classes are taught by physiotherapists, which is the difference that matters. The person watching you knows what happened to your back in March and adapts the exercise accordingly rather than teaching to the middle of the room.

More information

Classes are deliberately small. We run one to one sessions for people who need close attention, small group classes at the clinic, and online classes for weeks when getting to Haslemere is not going to happen. Beginners are genuinely welcome, and so are people who have been told they should do Pilates and have quietly avoided it for two years.

Is Pilates good for back pain

For persistent low back pain, the evidence supports staying active and doing supervised exercise, and NICE recommends a group exercise programme as a first line treatment. Pilates is one sensible way of delivering that, because it is graded, it can be adapted around a flare up, and people tend to keep going with it. What matters more than the label is that the programme is progressive and that somebody is checking how you are doing it.

Do I need to be flexible or fit to start

No. That is rather the point of starting. We will put you in a class that suits where you are now, and if you are recovering from something specific we would usually see you one to one first so the exercises can be chosen properly.

Can I do Pilates while pregnant or after a baby

Yes, with adaptations, and our pelvic health physiotherapists are involved in that. Tell us at the point of booking so we put you in the right class rather than adjusting on the night.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is Pilates good for lower back pain?
For persistent low back pain, NICE recommends a supervised group exercise programme as a first line treatment, and clinical Pilates is one sensible way of delivering one. It is graded, it can be adapted around a flare up, and because people stick with it they get the benefit of continuing to move.
Do I need to be fit or flexible before I start?
No. We place you in a class that suits your current starting point, and if you are recovering from a specific injury we would usually see you one to one first so the exercises can be chosen around it.
Who teaches the classes?
Our Pilates is taught by physiotherapists, so the person leading the class can see your notes, knows your injury history and adapts what you are asked to do rather than teaching a single routine to everybody in the room.