About Physiotherapy Exercise Program: PEP.

The PEP program at Active Physiotherapy utilises  Clinical Pilates as a treatment modality.

Focusing on posture, core stability, control, flexibility, balance, and breathing, clinical Pilates is a special form of physical exercise often used in conjunction with physiotherapy. Pilates itself was developed in the early 1900’s by Joseph Pilates. Used with physiotherapy, it can treat many different problems, such as trauma to the neck and back (especially in those suffering lower back discomfort). Clinical Pilates works on core stability, promotes good posture, increases strength, and develops muscle flexibility.

The main difference between clinical Pilates and general Pilates is the ability to target specific areas of pain with exercises devised to treat and rehabilitate. Our physiotherapists can provide clinical Pilates exercises tailored to your condition.

The Principles of Pilates

Six principles make up the foundation of the Pilates system of exercise and focus on the ability to center, concentrate, and control your movement, otherwise known as “Contrology.” Each movement in Pilates requires complete control of the mind over the body. Therefore, for the exercise regimen to be safe, there should be no sudden movements during the workout. The basic principles are as follows, and ensure maximum benefit:

• Concentration, which means focusing on the correct performance of each individual Pilates exercise and the muscles involved.
• Control, which is maintaining optimal posture and control with every movement.
• Flowing movement, which is how to work smoothly and efficiently throughout each movement.
• Precision, or performing each Pilates exercise with attention to detail so that the technique is correct.
• Breathing, which involves ensuring you maintain relaxed, normal breathing throughout the duration of Pilates. It is imperative you do not hold your breath.

The Benefits of Clinical Pilates

Clinical Pilates is an extremely beneficial method of specialised exercise used for alleviating pain and discomfort and encouraging full health and rehabilitation after injury. This method uses carefully selected exercises for patients with specific injuries. The exercises are conducted on a one on one basis with an Active Physiotherapy physiotherapist, which means that you are completely looked after, thereby minimising risk of aggravating your injury or causing further problems.

Benefits include:

• Improved posture and core stability.
• An increase in muscular strength and flexibility.
• The prevention of further injuries.
• Helping rehabilitation.
• Helping the restoration of normal movement.
• Increasing your muscular coordination and control.
• Flatter and firmer stomach muscles.
• Overall improvement of body tone and fitness levels.
• Improvement of balance.