Individually tailored, physiotherapist-led Pilates at our Highgate Hill clinic in Brisbane.
Unlike generic Pilates classes, clinical Pilates is individually tailored by our qualified physiotherapist to meet your unique needs, whether you are recovering from injury or building lifelong strength.
What clinical Pilates focuses on
Clinical Pilates is a form of therapeutic exercise based on the original Pilates method, adapted and led by physiotherapists using proper clinical assessment rather than a set class routine. Every session begins with a thorough look at your goals, your movement history and any injuries or pain, so your program is built for what you actually need, whether that's easing lower back pain, recovering from surgery, or building strength for sport.
The core idea is control. Rather than moving fast and hoping for the best, clinical Pilates trains you to move slowly and precisely, building strength in the deep muscles that support your spine and joints day to day, the ones a regular gym workout tends to miss. Because it's low-impact, it's genuinely accessible whether you're recovering from an injury, managing a long-term condition, or simply want to build a stronger foundation without adding strain.
We show you exactly where your core muscles are and whether you're actually activating them, not just guessing based on how it feels.
Sessions include mat Pilates as well as the Oov, Pilates ring and exercise ball, chosen to suit what your body needs that day.
Simple, personalised exercises to continue between sessions, so progress doesn't stall between appointments.
Many people start Pilates as part of injury rehabilitation, but the benefits go far beyond recovery.
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A studio reformer class can be a great workout, but it's built for a room full of people at roughly the same level, doing roughly the same routine. Clinical Pilates is the opposite: it's one-on-one with a physiotherapist who already knows your injury history, watching how you specifically move and adjusting on the spot if something isn't quite right, not after the fact.
That matters most if you have an existing injury, a chronic condition, or you're recovering from surgery, situations where the wrong exercise, or the right exercise done with poor form, can set you back rather than help. Once you're stronger and ready for more general fitness, clinical Pilates can also be a natural stepping stone into a regular studio class, with the confidence that your fundamentals are solid first. See the full Clinical Pilates vs regular Pilates comparison for more detail.
Understanding your health goals, movement history and any injuries or pain before a single exercise is chosen.
Every session led directly by a qualified physiotherapist, not a general instructor.
Starting at a level that genuinely suits you, building as your confidence and strength grow rather than pushed on a fixed timeline.
Clinical Pilates isn't only for injury. Many people keep coming long after they've recovered, simply because it keeps them moving well and living with less pain day to day. It's a way to maintain general wellbeing and move through daily life with ease.
“I've been going to see Sandra for a couple of months about my intense neck and back pain. She's been great and has given me some excellent stretching and strengthening exercises, as well as the most effective acupuncture treatments I've ever had.”
Nicole McSpaddenGoogle review
“It took about a month before I saw changes. It took another 8 months and by then I was able to walk well again. It had been a long hard road but Sandra has shown me her depth of knowledge and her skill.”
Keith SmithGoogle review
Ancient wisdom, modern wellness
Clinical Pilates is more than exercise. It's a reconnection to your body's strength and resilience.
Never done Pilates before? These are the questions we hear most.
Every session is one-on-one and paced entirely to you. There's no class to keep up with, we start at your level and build from there.
Sessions are supervised by a physiotherapist and adapted around your injury, so movement stays safe and within your comfortable range.
No. Clinical Pilates is designed to build strength and confidence from wherever you're starting, not for people who are already fit.
Comfortable, stretchy clothing you can move freely in, and socks or bare feet.
No, you can book directly. A referral is only required for WorkCover, Veterans' Affairs, CTP or a Medicare chronic condition management plan.
In most cases, yes. The clinic is registered with all major health funds for physiotherapy, acupuncture and Chinese herbal medicine, so most policies allow you to claim on the spot through HICAPS and just pay the gap. Check with your fund to confirm your level of cover.
Often yes, once your surgeon has given the go-ahead to start rehabilitation, and it's a common part of safe post-surgical recovery. Always check with your surgeon about timing first, and let your physiotherapist know the details of your procedure so your program is built around your specific recovery stage.
If you'd like to experience the benefits of clinical Pilates in Highgate Hill, we welcome you to Holistic Physio.