Clinical Pilates in Guildford

Clinical Pilates are exercises that can help you strengthen your body’s core and assist with rehabilitation after an injury or surgical treatment

Clinical Pilates at Mount Alvernia Hospital in Guildford

If you are looking for a safe and effective way to improve strength, flexibility, and posture, clinical Pilates at Circle Health Group's Mount Alvernia Hospital may be the ideal solution. Unlike standard Pilates classes, clinical Pilates is delivered by trained physiotherapists or rehabilitation specialists, ensuring every exercise is tailored to your needs.

We offer clinical Pilates as part of our physiotherapy and rehabilitation services. Whether you are recovering from injury, managing a long-term condition, or simply wanting to build core strength and reduce your risk of future problems, our team is here to guide you with expert support.

What is clinical Pilates?

Pilates is an exercise system designed to improve your physical strength, flexibility and posture. Traditional Pilates exercises were designed to target your core muscles and coordination.

The system was created by physical trainer Joeseph Pilates in the 1930s to help train and rehabilitate performers. The exercises increased in popularity as it became clear that the exercise method could benefit everyone, including those who aren’t injured.

Clinical Pilates combines Pilates methods with physiotherapy to help patients recover from an injury or health condition and get back to moving with ease again. It focuses on strengthening the stabilising muscles that support the spine, hips, and pelvis. This helps to improve posture, balance, and overall body control.

Each clinical Pilates program is individually tailored to your physical needs. Before starting, you are assessed by a trained physiotherapist who can identify areas of muscle weakness, joint stiffness, or movement imbalances. Exercises are then adapted to suit your specific needs, ensuring safe progression at a comfortable pace.

How much does clinical Pilates cost at Mount Alvernia Hospital?

The cost of clinical Pilates depends on whether you book individual sessions, block packages, or group classes. You will typically need to start with a one-on-one session with a physiotherapist, who can get to know you, assess your needs, and advise on whether clinical Pilates could help you.

Our flexible payment options help you spread the cost of your payment across a time period that suits you.

If you have private medical insurance, you should check beforehand to see if this form of treatment is covered. For more information, visit our private medical insurance page.

What are the benefits of Pilates?

By improving core stability and body awareness, clinical Pilates helps reduce strain on your joints, enhances coordination, and supports more efficient movement during day-to-day life. People who partake in Pilates also often notice improved flexibility, reduced pain, and greater confidence in their physical abilities over time. The clinical approach makes it especially beneficial if you are recovering from injury, managing chronic pain, or aiming to prevent future musculoskeletal problems.

Beyond the physical benefits, Pilates also encourages relaxation, mindful breathing, and a sense of control over your health and recovery.

What will happen at my first appointment?

Before you go in for your appointment, you'll be asked to fill out a questionnaire about your medical history, health, your reasons for visiting, and what you hope to achieve. Please make sure you arrive a few minutes early and bring your reading glasses, if you need them.

During your initial appointment, your physiotherapist will talk with you in depth to get a better understanding of your condition and individual needs. They will need this information so they can create a tailored treatment plan best suited to you.

They may ask about:

Your symptoms
Your general health
Your medical history
Your family medical history, if relevant

They may also ask about:

Any previous injuries or surgeries you may have had
Any medications that you are currently taking
What your expected goals and outcomes are from the treatment

During your appointment, your physiotherapist will also perform a physical examination and assess your strength, flexibility, function, ability to walk, and reflexes. They may use palpation techniques, where they apply varying amounts of pressure with their hands to assess the injured or affected area. As you will be examined, it is recommended you wear loose, comfortable clothes and shoes.

If your physiotherapist thinks you are suitable for clinical Pilates, they will work with you to create an individualised treatment plan suitable to your needs.

How to book Pilates in Guildford

To book a consultation to discuss clinical Pilates with a physiotherapist near you, use our online booking system, or give us a call and one of our dedicated advisors will help you find an appointment time that suits you.

Frequently asked questions about clinical Pilates

How often should I participate in a clinical Pilates routine?

The length or amount of time spent doing your Pilates routine will be tailored to your unique circumstances and needs by your physiotherapist. They will let you know how long you will need to partake in the exercises to ensure your condition improves.

Generally, Pilates programs range between six and 12 weeks.

Are yoga and Pilates the same type of exercise?

Yoga and Pilates are often mixed up with one another. However, they are completely different forms of exercise.

Yoga focuses on developing your strength, flexibility and balance whilst also bringing awareness to the connections between your mind, body and breath during your poses. It promotes settling down your mind and teaches those who practice how to be still.

Pilates, in contrast, focuses less on the mental and more on the physical. It revolves around building your core strength and improving endurance during exercise.

Is there a difference between clinical Pilates and Pilates?

Clinical Pilates and regular Pilates use the same exercise techniques. The difference is that clinical Pilates uses more of a tailored approach to your condition and needs, with the focus being treatment for a specific condition or rehabilitation after an injury or surgery.

Fitness Pilates is great for building your general strength, flexibility, and fitness. However, it is not tailored to your specific body movements and is typically done in a larger class, meaning your instructor won’t be able to solely focus on you and your exercise ability during the classes. This can put you at risk of further injury and pain if you move, twist, or stretch in the wrong way.