Clinical Pilates — Prescribed for Your Body
Clinical Pilates is not a fitness class. I prescribe it the same way I'd prescribe any other treatment — based on what your body actually needs, not a generic programme.
What is Clinical Pilates?
Clinical Pilates is a therapeutic exercise system derived from traditional Pilates methodology, adapted and prescribed by a registered health professional for patients with specific clinical presentations. At Momentum, it forms the active rehabilitation component of your chiropractic care plan — not a separate offering, but an integral part of how I treat.
The focus is on developing deep core stability, improving spinal control, restoring functional movement patterns and building the physical resilience that protects against injury and supports long-term health. Every exercise has a purpose. Progressions happen when your body is ready, not because you've hit session eight.
How clinical Pilates differs from gym Pilates:
- Prescribed by a registered health professional, not a fitness instructor
- Based on individual clinical assessment and diagnosis
- Each exercise selected for a specific therapeutic purpose
- Suitable for patients with injuries, pain or physical limitations
- Progressions are guided by your clinical response, not a set schedule
- Fully integrated with your chiropractic treatment plan
- Monitored throughout to ensure safety and effectiveness
Who benefits from Clinical Pilates?
Back Injury Recovery
Patients recovering from acute or chronic back injuries are among those who benefit most from clinical Pilates. Back injuries are often perpetuated by weakness and poor motor control in the deep spinal stabilising muscles — particularly the multifidus and transverse abdominis. Clinical Pilates targets these muscles specifically, restoring the deep stability that supports long-term recovery.
For patients with disc injuries, facet joint dysfunction or muscle strain, clinical Pilates progressively loads the spine in a controlled and safe manner, building the capacity to return to full activity.
Chronic Pain Management
Chronic pain is frequently associated with altered movement patterns, muscle inhibition and reduced physical confidence. Clinical Pilates can assist with all three — by restoring normal movement patterns, progressively strengthening inhibited muscles and rebuilding trust in the body's capacity to move safely.
The structured, graduated nature of clinical Pilates makes it particularly appropriate for chronic pain patients, who benefit from clear progression and a sense of control over their recovery.
Posture Correction
Poor posture rarely exists in isolation — it reflects underlying muscle imbalances, weakness and movement habits that have developed over years. Clinical Pilates addresses the physical contributors: strengthening the muscles that support correct alignment, lengthening those that are tight and shortened, and retraining the body's sense of neutral position.
For patients whose neck pain, headaches or back pain has a significant postural component, clinical Pilates is often an essential part of achieving lasting improvement.
General Strength & Stability
Clinical Pilates is not only for patients in pain. Many patients use it as a long-term component of their health maintenance strategy — building and preserving the core strength, spinal stability and body awareness that support an active lifestyle and reduce the risk of future injury.
It is particularly valuable for older adults who want to maintain functional capacity and reduce fall risk, and for athletes who want to address stability and control deficits that limit performance or increase injury risk.
Why choose Momentum for Clinical Pilates?
Prescribed by Your Chiropractor
Dr Poulton prescribes and oversees your clinical Pilates programme based on your diagnosis and clinical assessment. There is no disconnect between your hands-on treatment and your exercise programme — they are designed to work together as a single, coordinated plan.
Integrated with Your Care
Clinical Pilates at Momentum is one component of an integrated care plan — not a separate offering. The exercises are selected based on what the chiropractic assessment has identified, and they are updated as your clinical status changes. This integration is what makes the approach more effective than either treatment in isolation.
Fully Assessed First
Before any exercise is prescribed, a thorough clinical assessment identifies exactly what your body needs — and what it is not yet ready for. Every exercise prescription begins with a functional assessment of your current strength, stability, movement quality and physical capacity, ensuring the programme is safe, appropriate and effective from the first session.
Individual Attention
Clinical Pilates at Momentum is delivered in an individualised or small-group format, ensuring Dr Poulton can provide direct supervision and technique correction throughout. Generic classes with large numbers of participants are not appropriate for patients with injuries or clinical presentations — individual attention is essential for both safety and effectiveness.
Clinical Pilates FAQ
Do I need a referral to start Clinical Pilates?
No. You can book directly with Momentum Chiropractic without a referral from a GP or other practitioner. If you have a Medicare care plan (EPC) or are a TAC or WorkCover patient, those arrangements are also welcome.
Is Clinical Pilates covered by health insurance?
Medicare EPC (Enhanced Primary Care) plans from a GP can include chiropractic consultations that incorporate clinical Pilates prescription. Many private health fund extras policies cover clinical Pilates under their chiropractic or allied health benefit — coverage varies between funds and policy levels, so it's worth checking with your fund. TAC and WorkCover patients may have clinical Pilates covered as part of their approved treatment plan.
How is it different from a gym Pilates class?
A gym Pilates class follows a predetermined format that's the same for everyone in the room. Clinical Pilates is prescribed by a registered health professional based on your individual clinical assessment and diagnosis. Every exercise has a specific therapeutic purpose, the programme is built around your limitations, and progressions are guided by how you're actually responding — not by what session number you're on.
Is it safe if I have an injury?
Yes — clinical Pilates is designed specifically for people with injuries and clinical conditions. The assessment process identifies exactly what your body is and isn't ready for, and the exercise prescription is built around those parameters. You will never be asked to do anything that isn't appropriate for your current physical status. In fact, patients with injuries often benefit more from clinical Pilates than healthy individuals, because the programme can target their specific deficits directly.
How often should I attend?
This depends on your condition, your goals and how frequently you can realistically attend. For most patients, 1–2 sessions per week is a typical starting frequency. Dr Poulton will recommend a schedule based on your individual situation and will review and adjust it as your programme progresses.
What should I wear?
Comfortable, form-fitting exercise clothing is ideal — clothing that allows Dr Poulton to observe your movement and posture clearly. Leggings or fitted shorts, and a fitted top, are appropriate. Grip socks or bare feet are recommended, as shoes are generally removed during Pilates sessions.
How many sessions will I need?
For acute injuries, a course of 6–10 sessions is often sufficient to restore function and establish a solid home exercise programme. For chronic conditions or patients using clinical Pilates as a long-term wellness strategy, ongoing attendance is typical. Dr Poulton will discuss your expected programme length at your assessment, based on your specific goals and presentation.
Our Fees
Transparent pricing — no hidden fees. We have HICAPS on-site for instant private health rebates.
Personalised assessment & programme design
Supervised clinical Pilates sessions
Low-level laser therapy at no extra charge
Book your Clinical Pilates assessment
No referral needed. Call or book online — open 7 days in Templestowe.
Enjoyed your experience at Momentum?
We'd really appreciate you taking a moment to leave us a Google review. It helps other locals in Templestowe find the care they need — and means the world to us.
Leave a Google Review