Physio Pilates

Quality care takes time, which is why we offer 60 minute sessions for all initial and follow up appointments for Physiotherapy and Therapeutic Pilates Sessions

Physiotherapy is about helping people to understand the biomechanics of their body, and focus where needed to enable an optimal recovery process, maximum efficiency of movement and prevention of future injuries. We work with a range of clients from acute - chronic, pre and post-operatively.

All our Physiotherapists are trained in Pilates to provide a safe setting to progress you through your injury or problem to help achieve your goals.

Therapeutic Pilates with Physiotherapist

Therapeutic Pilates is led by a registered Physiotherapist . We assess the whole body, including posture and movement patterns to find the specific causes of symptoms. Our aim is to educate clients about their body, and to give them the tools to self-manage and prevent further injury. 

Some Therapeutic Pilates sessions may be subsidised by ACC – please discuss this with the instructor when you make your appointment. No referral necessary.

Therapeutic Pilates emphasises the clinical application of Pilates’ original exercises, supported by evidence-based research, and is ideal for those suffering from both acute injuries and ongoing chronic pain. With the use of Pilates apparatus, clients can continue to exercise without pain while rehabilitating the injured site. This whole body approach prevents unnecessary de-conditioning and further injury.

A therapeutic session consists of Pilates-based exercise programmes using balanced movement, as well as flexibility and strengthening exercises, to aid recovery and prevent recurrence. Programmes also emphasise movement and postural re-education. Where necessary, the physiotherapist may include some manual therapies, such as massage and mobilisation in the session.

Following individual Therapeutic Pilates sessions, clients can progress to Private appointments with experienced teachers or to fully supervised Studio Pilates classes (Max 4 people) to continue your individual rehabilitation programme. Home exercise programmes are also provided.

Physiotherapy

What we treat:

  • Neck and Back Pain

  • Pre and post operative care

  • Elite sports rehabilitation

  • Sports injuries- including tendon strains and sprains

  • Chronic Pain

  • Headaches and Migraines

  • Nerve Pain

  • Neuro-rehabilitation

  • Pre and Post Natal

  • Paediatric Rehabilitation

  • Pelvic Health issues

  • Postural complaints or issues

Physiotherapy is about helping people to understand the biomechanics of their body, and focus where needed to enable an optimal recovery process, maximum efficiency of movement and prevention of future injuries. 

A thorough initial assessment will be done to help identify an underlying cause and this will be discussed with you fully. Possible treatment options will be discussed and progressed to treatment within the session. You will be provided with a clear plan and instruction to help you move forward in your rehabilitation which may involve home based programs and frequency of follow ups as well as onward referral if necessary. 

Some of the treatment options provided:

  • Mobilisation

  • Exercise Programs, both equipment based, and home based including Therapeutic Pilates

  • Soft tissue and myo-fascial release

  • Education

  • Acupuncture

  • Sports Taping

  • Ergonomic analysis and advice

  • Post operative protocol rehabilitation

  • Dry needling

Therapists may request scans and diagnostic tests, e.g. X-rays, Ultrasounds, MRI scans.

A close working relationship with Orthopaedic surgeons, Rheumatologists and Pain Specialists is paramount, and however complex your problem we work to help you manage it successfully and refer on when needed to an appropriate specialist. 

Pre and Post Natal Physiotherapy

We offer a tailored prenatal and postnatal exercise program to suit your needs throughout your unique experience of Pregnancy and beyond. We use a range of pilates equipment to create an individual program that is safe and achievable for you.

Pilates can help with pelvic girdle pain and pelvic floor dysfunction associated with pregnancy, bladder leakage, sexual function, diastasis recti, regaining strength/ stability/ mobility and control following a c-section or vaginal births, and evidenced based education throughout your entire journey.

You may also want to visit our Pelvic Health page

Headache Clinic

The Watsons Headache approach consists of a manual therapy method for assessing the contribution of the upper cervical spine in headache and migraine.

Through specific assessment of these levels we can accurately assess which levels are responsible for symptoms. Examination techniques are non manipulative and consist of gentle sustained pressures applied to the vertebrae. During assessment it is likely that we will reproduce a clients head pain/ migraine symptoms which provides confirmation that the upper cervical spine is the source of symptoms. Sustained pressures at these same levels can help to reduce stiffness and lead to resolution of head pain.

The Watsons method is recognised internationally and practiced and taught in over 25 countries for treating migraines and headaches.

Sarah Ramsay runs our Watson’s Led Appointments, which focus on head, neck and shoulders issues.

Acupuncture

Acupuncture has been used for centuries and is a useful adjunct to many forms of treatment. Fine needles are inserted into specific points on the body to stimulate the nerves within the tissue along with endorphins and serotonin to help moderate the perception of pain.

Acupuncture can be used to treat pain, imbalance, migraines, headaches and other disorders. 

We are registered with the Physiotherapist Acupuncture Association to ensure up to date education and a high standard of practice.

Every therapist is different and every patient is different however in a session of acupuncture there may be anywhere from 1-10 needles inserted into the body, and will be left in anywhere from 10- 40 minutes. Acute presentations tend to be a shorter timeframe and chronic conditions may be longer. 

You may experience a dull ache called De-Qi which represents a stimulation of the point. The therapist may slightly rotate the needles occasionally for further stimulation of a point.  

Dry needling may also be used as appropriate where a needle is inserted into a trigger point, this enables a contraction and relaxation around the needle to encourage muscle release. 

Therapeutic massage

Therapeutic massage aims to relieve exercise and injury related aches and pain within muscle and soft tissues. It can be very useful in relief of head, neck and shoulder related postural pain, before or after exercise to speed recovery time and enhance performance, and as an adjunct to treatment of a specific musculoskeletal injury.

Your therapist will discuss your specific aims for the massage before your treatment to gauge what areas we need to focus on for an optimal outcome.

Benefits of Therapeutic Massage:

  • Releases excess muscle tension

  • Speeds up recovery after workout or injury

  • Improves muscle performance and body posture

  • Helps in early recognition of potential problems, preventing injury

  • Increases range of motion in joints and muscle flexibility

  • Helps to offer relief from sciatica, back pain and muscle aches

  • Brings about general mental and physical relaxation and higher levels of energy

  • Stimulates mental alertness, and a positive attitude