Clinical Pilates Assessments
A more personalised way to move, rebuild and feel stronger in your body.
Clinical Pilates blends traditional Pilates with the expertise of physiotherapy, giving you a safe and effective way to improve movement, build strength, and support recovery.
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Every Pilates movement can be adapted to suit your body, which makes it ideal for rehabilitation. It works best in a 1:1 or small group setting, where everything can be tailored to you.
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The aim is to help you move better, feel stronger, and trust your body again.
Clinical Pilates assessment
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Your first session is a 60-minute assessment. We’ll talk through your background, any injuries or symptoms, and what you’d like to get out of the sessions.
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From there, I’ll carry out a full physiotherapy movement assessment, looking at how you move, your strength, control, and any areas of compensation or restriction.
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This gives us a clear starting point. I’ll explain what I’m seeing as we go, so you understand your body and why certain things feel the way they do.
Your Clinical Pilates sessions
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From your assessment, we’ll build a fully personalised Clinical Pilates programme around you. Each session is one-to-one, so everything can be adapted in real time depending on how you’re feeling and how your body responds. You’ll be guided through each movement, with time to get it right and feel confident in the movement, we will progress each session.
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After each session the Pilates exercises are emailed to you, so you can build a home practice.
Some people find weekly sessions helpful, whereas others have a monthly session, it’s really up to you!
Approach to treatment
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We’ll agree on a plan that fits your body and your life.
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I’m a movement optimist. Movement is one of the most powerful tools we have, when it’s used in the right way. That might mean starting gently, building gradually, or adapting around symptoms.
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The goal isn’t perfection. It’s progress. And over time, the aim is for you to feel confident managing your body and exercises outside of sessions, not reliant on them.
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Who it’s for
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Clinical Pilates works well for people who:
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Are recovering from injury or returning to exercise
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Have ongoing aches or pains they want to better understand
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Feel stiff, weak, or disconnected from their body
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Want a more supported, individual approach than a group class
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Feel unsure or lack confidence in movement
A note on experience
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As a Chartered Physiotherapist with an NHS background, and a fully certified and accredited APPI Clinical Pilates instructor, everything I do is grounded in evidence-based practice.
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You’re not just being given exercises. You’re being guided by someone who understands how bodies work, how injuries recover, and how to build strength safely.
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Your next step
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If you’re looking for a more individual, supported way to move and build strength, this is a good place to start.
Book a 1:1 Clinical Pilates assessment at The Space, Burston, near Diss or The Barn Studio, Rickinghall Suffolk (Thursdays) or get in touch if you’d like to ask a few questions first.
What is Clinical Pilates?
Clinical Pilates is a specialised form of exercise that combines the principles of traditional Pilates with the expertise of physiotherapy. It is designed to address specific musculoskeletal conditions and injuries, offering a safe and effective way to improve movement patterns, enhance muscle strength and flexibility, and reduce the risk of injury. It is an effective approach for rehabilitation and recovery as there are many levels, variations and adaptations that can be made to each movement to find the right level for you.
It is best delivered on a 1:1 basis or small group setting so that you can gain the most out of your session.
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What Sets Clinical Pilates Apart?
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Traditional Pilates focuses on overall fitness and strengthening the core muscles. While it offers numerous benefits, traditional Pilates may not be suitable for individuals with specific injuries or conditions. Clinical Pilates with a physiotherapist, on the other hand, tailors the exercises to each individual's needs, taking into account their unique physical limitations and goals. You can then progress much quicker with a programme that is designed especially for you.
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The Role of the Physiotherapist
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The presence of a qualified physiotherapist is a hallmark of Clinical Pilates. Physiotherapists possess a deep understanding of human anatomy, biomechanics and musculoskeletal pathologies, enabling them to design personalised exercise programs that target specific muscle imbalances, postural issues, and pain-causing patterns.
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Benefits of Clinical Pilates
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Clinical Pilates offers a wide range of benefits, including:
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Improved overall strength and stability
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Enhanced flexibility and range of motion
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Reduced pain and inflammation
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Giving you the confidence to manage any symptoms you have
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Improved posture and balance
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Enhanced coordination and proprioception
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Improve pelvic floor strength and endurance
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Increased functional movement patterns
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Reduced risk of re-injury
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Who Can Benefit from Clinical Pilates?
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Clinical Pilates is suitable for individuals of all ages and fitness levels, particularly those with:
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Back pain
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Neck pain
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Knee and Hip pain
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Arthritis
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Sports injuries
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Muscle imbalances
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Postural problems
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Neurological conditions
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Fear or anxiety of movements/group classes​
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What is involved in a 1:1 Clinical Pilates session with a Physiotherapist?
For initial appointments a 60-minute consultation is recommended. This involves taking a full background of who you are and your personal goals. Next, a full Physiotherapy movement assessment is carried out. This is to gain a clear understanding of how you feel comfortable moving and to identify any weaknesses or compensatory movement patterns. During this we assess ranges of movement, strength and the function of your nerves if indicated.
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Once we have set realistic goals and expectations as to what we can achieve, we then work together to create a fully personalised and specific Clinical Pilates rehabilitation program to fit around your life. Each exercise we do first is supervised, adapting each movement specifically for you, ensuring you are confident with it.
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A follow up email is then sent to you with the Pilates exercises and the advice that we have discussed. Follow up sessions tend to be 45 minutes, unless a shorter or longer session would suit you better. ​
Choosing the right Physiotherapist for you
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When seeking a Clinical Pilates, it is important to ensure the Physiotherapist possesses relevant qualifications and experience. Look for Physiotherapists who are chartered and registered with the appropriate bodies and have completed specialised training in Clinical Pilates and are registered with reputable organisations.
Sarah has a Masters degree at Distinction level in Physiotherapy from UEA, and a BSc in Human Sciences from UCL. She is a chartered Physiotherapist registered with both the HCPC (Healthcare Professional Council) and the CSP (Chartered Society of Physiotherapists). Sarah is a fully certified and accredited APPI matwork instructor, you can find her listed here on the APPI website. The Australian Physiotherapy and Pilates Institute is a world renowned Pilates training that has been designed by Physiotherapists, to make Pilates accessible for every body.
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What to bring?
Yourself and an open mind! And a water bottle too! There are spare Pilates mats at the Space, however if you have your own and prefer to bring your own, or if you know you are more comfortable with a double thickness mat. Small head rests are provided but if you have difficulty laying flat it is recommended you bring a small cushion or pillow for behind your head or low back that you know works for you.
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What to wear?
Comfortable clothing that you can move and bend in. Avoid jeans or anything that limits your movement. If you have specific injuries wear something that the area can be assessed, e.g shorts if you have a knee injury or a tank top if you have any shoulder issues.
Embrace the Journey of Healing and Movement
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Clinical Pilates offers a safe and effective approach to enhancing movement, reducing pain, and improving overall well-being. Under the guidance of a qualified physiotherapist, you can embark on a journey of healing and rediscover the joy of movement.​