Clinical Pilates focuses on exercises that can help you strengthen your body’s core and assist with rehabilitation after an injury or surgical treatment
At Shirley Oaks Hospital in Croydon, we offer clinical Pilates programmes led by highly qualified physiotherapists who specialise in rehabilitation and movement retraining. These sessions blend the precision and control of Pilates with physiotherapy expertise to support recovery from injury, reduce pain, and improve posture and strength.
Clinical Pilates is designed for anyone who wants to move better and feel stronger – whether you’re recovering from surgery, managing chronic back pain, or simply trying to improve core stability. Every programme is tailored to your individual goals, ensuring each exercise is both safe and effective.
Our sessions take place in our modern physiotherapy suite, fully equipped with reformer Pilates equipment, mats and resistance tools to support your rehabilitation. Under the guidance of our experienced physiotherapists, you’ll work through a structured plan that builds confidence in your body’s strength and mobility.
‘The clinical Pilates sessions at Shirley Oaks have really helped with my posture and back pain. The exercises are personalised, and the physiotherapist ensures I’m progressing safely.’
— Patient review, Shirley Oaks Hospital
Clinical Pilates is a specialist form of exercise developed by physiotherapists to aid recovery, improve strength, and prevent injury. It focuses on controlled movement, precise muscle activation, and alignment of the spine and joints.
Unlike general Pilates or gym-based classes, clinical Pilates begins with an individual assessment. Your physiotherapist will evaluate your movement, posture, and flexibility to identify specific weaknesses or imbalances. Based on these findings, they’ll design a targeted exercise plan to help you improve strength, control and mobility.
This form of Pilates is particularly effective for managing chronic pain, spinal conditions, and postural problems. It’s often recommended as part of a rehabilitation programme after surgery or injury, as it helps restore stability to the muscles that support the spine and joints.
Because every exercise is tailored to your needs, clinical Pilates is suitable for all ages and abilities — from those recovering from injury to athletes looking to enhance performance and prevent re-injury. Over time, most patients notice reduced pain, improved posture, and greater freedom of movement.
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.
To confirm current pricing or discuss which option best suits your needs, please contact our physiotherapy department at Shirley Oaks Hospital.
The frequency of clinical Pilates sessions depends on your individual health, goals, and stage of recovery. Your physiotherapist will help you establish the best routine for your needs.
In most cases, patients recovering from injury or surgery begin with one or two sessions per week to build stability and strength. As your body adapts, this can be reduced to weekly or fortnightly maintenance sessions to help you sustain progress.
For those using clinical Pilates as part of a general fitness or posture-improvement programme, once-weekly sessions are often sufficient to maintain strength and flexibility.
Consistency is key to success. Regular practice helps develop muscle memory and better movement habits, which in turn reduce the likelihood of future pain or injury. Your physiotherapist may also recommend simple home exercises to complement your sessions and help you continue improving between appointments.
Many patients find that clinical Pilates becomes a long-term part of their wellbeing routine: a way to maintain core strength, mobility, and confidence in everyday movement.
Your first session at Shirley Oaks Hospital will begin with a detailed discussion about your health, injury history, and goals. Your physiotherapist will perform a movement assessment to identify any muscular weaknesses or alignment issues. From this, they will design a clinical Pilates plan that’s entirely tailored to you.
Sessions combine mat-based and reformer exercises that focus on breathing, control, and alignment. Each movement is carefully guided to ensure you are activating the right muscles at the right time. As you progress, your physiotherapist will adjust your exercises to challenge your strength, stability and flexibility further.
The sessions are calm, focused, and restorative. You’ll leave each appointment feeling more aware of how your body moves, stronger in your core, and more confident in your posture and coordination.
Our hospital provides a calm and modern setting, complete with dedicated physiotherapy spaces and flexible appointment times. Located in Croydon with convenient parking and excellent transport links, Shirley Oaks Hospital is ideally placed for patients from across South London and Surrey.
‘The physiotherapists at Shirley Oaks were excellent — knowledgeable, supportive, and encouraging. My posture and flexibility have never been better.’
— Patient Review, Croydon
If you’re ready to improve your posture, strength, and movement confidence, clinical Pilates at Shirley Oaks Hospital offers a safe and effective way to achieve your goals.
Appointments are available for both insured and self-pay patients, often within just a few days.
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.
Reception: 020 8655 5500
Mon-Fri: 8:30am-8pm
Sat: 8:30am-1:30pm
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