What are the Benefits of Core Strengthening?

• Improves muscle strength and tone
• Develops optimal core stability
• Improves joint and body flexibility
• Enhances postural alignment
• Challenges co-ordination and balance
• Prevents and alleviates back pain
• Improves performance in sports

Modified Clinical Pilates is particularly suitable for…

• The middle aged and elderly
• The desk-bound and inactive

And for those who suffer…

• Back pain, back-ache and other back problems
• Poor posture and rounded shoulders
• Neck and shoulder pains or problems
• Stiffness, joint pains and muscle pains caused by arthritis/osteoarthritis, fibromyalgia etc.
• Injuries: Sports injuries and others
• Repetitive strain injuries
• Whiplash
• Stress.

Who Would Pilates Benefit?

Accredited physiotherapists and doctors often recommend modified Pilates as a way to strengthen key muscles before surgery or to regain strength in muscles after an operation. We believe that chartered physiotherapists are the ideal health-care professionals to teach modified Pilates to pre and post-surgery clients.

Before any type of surgery, it is best to be prepared. It is believed that the stronger your body is before an operation, the more you will endure and the shorter rehabilitation will be. Taking classes in modified Pilates after an operation is a gentle, low-impact way to regain lost muscle tone and strength, at a time when a full workout could involve too much exertion.

Meanwhile, many people with joint and back complaints claim that modified Pilates has helped them avoid surgery altogether. If you have had recent surgery you may need to discuss starting Pilates classes with your surgeon. Contact us here for more information about this.

Here at Ballsbridge Physiotherapy Clinic, back pain is the most common reason that our clients give for attending our Pilates classes. Core strengthening provides a stronger, healthier back, which in turn provides a long-term approach to managing many types of back problems. Many of the treatments offered by conventional medicine only address the symptoms of back pain, rather than treat the underlying causes.

Correctly modified Pilates exercises can both alleviate existing back problems and prevent future ones by strengthening the spinal muscles and improving posture. It can also be frequently used in the treatment of soft tissue injuries sustained in road traffic accidents, such as whiplash. Exercises can be tailored to focus precisely on the injured area, providing the stimulation and support necessary for a quick recovery.

Good posture is crucial to the health of your back. The combination of core strength, flexibility and balance, which modified Pilates promotes, leads to good posture.

Poor posture, on the other hand, can cause many problems – ranging from lower back pain to the sort of rounded shoulders and stooped appearance which can come with age – of the kind that end up being treated by physiotherapists.

If in doubt, it is always best to check with your doctor or chartered physiotherapist before embarking on a fitness programme.

Our Classes

Here at Ballsbridge Physiotherapy Clinic our classes are small (max 6 participants) and always given by a Chartered Physiotherapist. This ensures that all class participants are closely monitored and exercises are modified to the participant where necessary.

If you would like to receive more information on our classes, please contact us and we will happily advise you.

We have classified our classes as follows: if you are unsure of your level do not hesitate to get in touch.

Beginners: for those who have never attended a modified Pilates class before or perhaps completed 1 set of classes previously and would like a refresher.
Beginners+: for those who have completed a previous course of Pilates.
Intermediate: for those who have completed 2 or more sets of classes.
Advanced: for those who have completed 3 or more sets of classes recently.

Timetable

One-to-One Pilates

Here at Ballsbridge Physiotherapy Clinic, we offer one-to-one Pilates sessions which are suitable for anyone. It may be particularly beneficial for individuals with a high pain score, recovery from an injury, a chronic condition, pre or post-surgery (hip, knee, shoulder and abdominal) post-pregnancy, poor exercise tolerance or reduced confidence.

These sessions are often very helpful for individuals who feel they need a little extra attention while they grasp the fundamental elements of Pilates. You will receive personal attention to focus on your individual areas for development which is incredibly helpful and beneficial to your Pilates practice.

People are motivated in different ways. Some individuals enjoy a group environment, exercising alongside people of similar ability. However, others prefer a more personal approach with a direct relationship with their Pilates instructor. If this is you, then our one-to-one Pilates is perfect for you.

If you think this is something that suits your needs, please contact the clinic today to book your one-to-one Pilates session to get you started on your new Pilates journey.