Clinical Pilates Vancouver / Olympic Village
Pilates is a system of specific exercises with the intention of facilitating increased control of the core stability muscles as well as improving overall body awareness, movement quality and strength.
Exercises were originally developed by Joseph Pilates over 50 years ago and are performed on a Reformer, chair or mat.
The Clinical Pilates Difference
Clinical Pilates integrates the principles of Pilates with the expertise of a detailed assessment by a Registered Physiotherapist to ensure that an active rehabilitation program can be developed using only exercises specific to the client’s needs, injury, and stage of healing.
Unlike traditional Pilates classes, Clinical Pilates places extra emphasis on movement patterns, proper breathing, and controlled pelvic floor activation. Exercises can also be adjusted for different fitness levels and goals.
Clinical Pilates Sessions at Alaia
Our Clinical Pilates programs begin with a comprehensive assessment by a Clinical Pilates-trained Physiotherapist. Your physiotherapist will complete a thorough assessment of your issue and develop a program specific to your needs.
All sessions are carried out in our Pilates studio and may incorporate exercises on our clinical reformer, Wunda chair, Cadillac, and mat exercises.
Clinical Pilates Benefits
Clinical Pilates can be adapted to fit all types of fitness levels and functional limitations. Many people choose clinical pilates to improve mobility, balance, overall well-being, and to support general fitness.
Clinical Pilates may be beneficial for the following:
- Joint hypermobility
- Spinal stiffness or Chronic Back Pain
- Poor body awareness
- Health concerns or conditions that cause chronic pain or functional limitations
- Poor postural strength and control
- Building strength back after acute injuries
- Runners dealing with injuries or wanting to improve their core strength
- Athletes interested in improved core control and movement quality
- Healthcare practitioners, RMT’s, Physiotherapists, and other professionals in physically demanding jobs
- Clients who have been unsuccessful with traditional rehabilitative strengthening programs
- Pelvic floor and core strengthening for Pregnant and Post-partum women
Clinical Pilates Staff
Questions about our Clinical Pilates Physiotherapy services?
Please email us at info@alaia.ca or call the clinic at 604-812-4286.
Clinical Pilates for Injury Rehabilitation
The benefits of Pilates for injury rehabilitation have long been recognized in physiotherapy clinics across Australia and New Zealand, and this approach is now becoming more common within Canadian systems of care as well.
Your care begins with a physiotherapy assessment from a registered physiotherapist. This assessment helps us understand your symptoms and physical function, so we can build a treatment plan that supports recovery, helps with managing pain, and targets your specific rehabilitation needs.
When appropriate, we may also recommend manual therapy to reduce irritation and support injury recovery alongside your Clinical Pilates program.
Many clients notice improved body awareness, better control of movement patterns, and practical strategies for managing pain during everyday tasks and training. Over time, this can support symptom relief while rebuilding strength and confidence as you move through rehabilitation.
Clinical Pilates FAQ
During your first session, your physiotherapist will conduct an initial assessment. This assessment is used to evaluate any past or present injuries, discuss your goals, and go over any other questions you might have. This session will allow us to create a tailored Pilates program for you.
Clinical Pilates is conducted alongside a trained physiotherapist. It is a form of active rehabilitation and can help you recover from injuries or other medical conditions. While traditional Pilates is focused on general strength building and flexibility, Clinical Pilates uses a physiotherapist who will create an exercise program that is unique to your needs, body, and goals.
Yes, our Clinical Pilates sessions are all done by University-educated and Pilates-trained physiotherapists. They bring a deep understanding of the body and injury management to ensure safe and effective sessions.
The amount of sessions needed will vary from person to person. It all depends on what your injuries are and what fitness goals you are looking to achieve. Usually, to get the most benefit from having Pilates as part of your treatment plan we do recommend committing to 4-6 weeks in order to build your strength and possibly progress to a studio setting for continued fitness goals. After your initial assessment, your physiotherapist will discuss with you and make a plan that is best for your needs, schedule, and budget.
We have a variety of different types of pilates equipment. What we use will largely depend on if you have injuries and your current strength level. Some examples of equipment we might use during a session are a Pilates reformer, a Wunda chair, and Pilates mats.
No doctor’s referral is necessary to start Clinical Pilates with us. However, if you plan to use extended health benefits, please check with your provider as some may require a physician’s referral for health insurance claims.
Yes! Clinical Pilates is a great way to prevent future injuries. While many clients seek physiotherapy after an injury, our physiotherapists are also skilled in preventive care. Following your initial assessment with us, we will be able to identify any areas of your body that could benefit from strengthening and stretching. By increasing overall strength and flexibility, our body is less likely to become injured in the future.